Deputy Minister of Transport, together with the governors of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), paid respects at the funeral of "Aunt Tiam," a victim of a train-bus collision, providing compensation exceeding 2 million baht. Siriphong stated there are strict short- and long-term measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
At 14:00 on 24 May 2026, at Ban Kratai Don Temple, Samoe Subdistrict, Prang Ku District, Sisaket Province, Mr. Siriphong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, arrived to preside over the cremation ceremony of Ms. Tiam Phuangyod, known as “Aunt Tiam,” who died in the incident where a train collided with a bus, at Asok-Phet intersection on 16 May 2026, to pay respects and send the departed soul to rest in peace.
At the ceremony, Mr. Kittikan Jomduang, Director of BMTA, along with Mr. Anan Phonimdang, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, and other executives participated in a traditional cloth-offering rite dedicated to the deceased. Government officials, relatives, and local residents attended amid a somber atmosphere. The Deputy Minister of Transport, together with BMTA and SRT leaders, provided initial financial assistance to the victim’s family.
Mr. Siriphong said in an interview, “Currently, there are both short-term and long-term strict measures to control and resolve the accident problem to prevent such incidents from happening again. In the short term, there is a strong emphasis on traffic discipline and strict adherence to procedures and processes mandated by the Ministry of Transport.”
“Regarding drug use, it must not occur within the Ministry of Transport anymore. Therefore, the Minister of Transport has ordered all agencies responsible for public safety to be free from any drugs. Drug testing has already been conducted, for example, BMTA and SRT are cooperating with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) for preliminary drug screenings. If abnormalities are found, individuals are sent to hospitals for detailed testing, and if drugs are confirmed, strict disciplinary measures will follow.”
“The Ministry has been informed that traffic violations persist and there remain critical points obstructing drivers’ visibility. Tomorrow (25 May), the SRT governor will hold a meeting with stationmasters nationwide to urgently consider solutions. There is an existing 'beautiful number' fund that is well known, which is expected to support public safety efforts and will be expedited.”
“Additionally,” “the public must respect traffic laws, especially not parking beyond stop lines as designated. Travelers, particularly at night, should exercise extra caution. Moreover, people are kindly requested not to enter railway tracks as reported in recent news, and cooperation from all citizens is sought.”
“For unauthorized railway crossings, officials will install additional warning signs, though coverage may not be complete. Discussions with the SRT governor are underway to consider budget allocation from the 'beautiful number' fund to assist these points, including connecting signal systems, lighting, or hiring short-term staff for supervision. It is necessary for the railway authority to implement enhanced safety measures in cooperation with other agencies to address risky railway crossing points promptly, as rail systems and public safety must go hand in hand.”
Regarding compensation, today the Ministry of Transport has pooled assistance funds from BMTA, SRT, and insurance companies as legally permitted, delivering 2,090,000 baht so far, with another 300,000 baht remaining from the Rights Protection Fund to be further disbursed.