Phattharaphong visited MRT Tao Poon following an electrical short circuit, ordering the Department of Rail Transport, MRTA, and BEM to expedite inspection and repairs tonight. He hopes for service to resume tomorrow morning, emphasizing the need for maximum safety. If repairs are not completed in time, BMTA is prepared to temporarily transport passengers.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Phattharaphong Patraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, inspected the MRT Tao Poon station after an electrical short circuit occurred in the cable, causing smoke. He instructed the Department of Rail Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and related agencies to promptly inspect and resolve the issue, stressing that service resumption must prioritize passenger safety.
Initially, at 12:32 p.m., an electrical short circuit occurred on the power cables on the rail at Tao Poon station on Pracharat Sai 2 Road. Fire and rescue personnel from Bang Pho station responded to control the incident and extinguished the fire. The preliminary cause is believed to be a cable short circuit.
At 1:15 p.m., a fire alarm sounded in the Power Supply room, and smoke was detected. Officials inspected the area and found no flames but observed smoke and electrical arc marks—burn marks from sparks. They are currently conducting a full system inspection to determine the cause and assess the train system's readiness.
Mr. Phattharaphong stated that the incident is now under control, and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) is preparing to repair the damaged parts. Repairs will be expedited tonight to restore the system in time for service to resume tomorrow morning.
However, before reopening, the system must undergo thorough inspection and readiness confirmation by MRTA and BEM. They must ensure the system is completely safe for all passengers. While the goal is to restore service quickly, safety remains the highest priority.
If repairs or system checks are not completed on schedule or safety cannot be confirmed, the Ministry of Transport has arranged a backup plan. It has coordinated with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to provide temporary shuttle buses for affected passengers, to ease travel disruption.
Mr. Phattharaphong reiterated that the goal is to repair and resume MRT service as soon as possible, but service will only reopen once inspections are complete and passenger safety is fully assured.
