Freight Train Broke Bangkok Daytime Ban

A freight train involved in a deadly collision with a passenger bus in Bangkok on Saturday afternoon was operating in violation of regulations banning freight services in the capital during daytime hours, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said on 19 May 2026. The crash killed eight people and injured many others at the level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road.

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Mr Siripong told Chula Radio that railway regulations prohibit freight trains from operating in Bangkok between 5am and 9pm. The train involved in the collision should not have been running during the day, he said.

According to the deputy minister, the freight service had originally been scheduled to leave Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri at midnight. However, the departure was delayed by 15 hours, and the train later entered Bangkok during restricted hours.

Mr Siripong said the rule may not have been strictly enforced in the past. He stated that officials had informed him the regulation had not been sufficiently emphasised, prompting the Transport Ministry to repeat the instruction clearly to railway operators.

He added that delayed freight trains must now wait until permitted night-time operating hours resume before entering Bangkok. Freight trains are only allowed to run in the capital between 9pm and 5am under existing regulations.

The ministry has begun disciplinary action against the freight train driver and the level crossing supervisor involved in the incident. The train driver has been suspended from duty and will also face prosecution for drug abuse.

The crossing supervisor and the train engineer have both been transferred to non-operational roles pending further investigation. Authorities have also ordered drug testing for all bus and train drivers following the crash.

The Bangkokpost reported that police have charged the train driver, the bus driver and the level crossing supervisor with recklessness causing death and injury. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue examining operational failures and safety procedures linked to the collision.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 19 May 2026