Makkasan Crossing Guard Issues Apology

Makkasan police have requested the Criminal Court to remand a train driver, Sayomporn, and a railway crossing guard, Uthen, following a fatal crash between a train and a passenger bus in Makkasan on Saturday. The incident led to the deaths of eight people and injuries to many others. The State Railway of Thailand is considering suspending Sayomporn after drug tests revealed narcotics in his system.

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The tragic collision occurred at a railway crossing, raising questions about adherence to safety protocols. Anan Phonimdang, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, shared insights from the train’s data recorder, indicating that the train was moving at 34 km/h, with emergency brakes applied 100 metres before the crash. Uthen, the crossing guard, tested negative for drugs, while Sayomporn's uniform absence during duty is also under scrutiny.

Driver Sayomporn refrained from commenting to the media, whereas Uthen expressed his apologies to the victims' families. The bus driver, currently hospitalized with severe injuries and burns, tested negative for drugs, and authorities will wait for his recovery to obtain a statement. The next steps involve further investigation into protocol compliance and pending legal actions.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Thai PBS · 18 May 2026