Train Driver and Signalman Granted Bail

A Bangkok court has granted bail to the train driver and railway crossing signalman charged over the deadly collision between a freight train and BMTA bus route 206 that killed eight people and injured dozens more.

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On May 18, investigators from Makkasan Police Station brought Mr Sayomporn Suankul, 46, the freight train driver, and Mr Uthen Jomkiri, 46, the railway crossing barrier operator, before the Criminal Court for their first detention hearing.

Both men were charged with causing death and serious injury through negligence following the May 16 crash near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road in Bangkok.

According to investigators, the collision occurred at about 3.36pm when the freight train travelling from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue struck a BMTA route 206 bus driven by Mr Lapis. Police said the bus had stopped across the railway tracks when the train crashed into the left side of the vehicle.

The impact pushed the bus into other nearby vehicles, causing major damage, multiple injuries and fatalities. Eight people were killed and many others injured in the collision and subsequent fire.

Police told the court that both suspects denied the charges during questioning. Investigators also said they still needed to question 30 witnesses and complete fingerprint and criminal background checks as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Investigators requested detention from May 18 to May 29, arguing that the offences carried serious penalties and that there were concerns the suspects could flee if released. Victims involved in the case also formally objected to bail requests.

The court approved the detention request before later considering bail applications submitted by both defendants. After reviewing the applications and financial guarantees, the court granted temporary release to both Mr Sayomporn and Mr Uthen. Bail was set at 100,000 baht each while investigations continue into the cause of the crash and the actions of railway staff involved.

Naewna reported thar athorities have already confirmed that Mr Sayomporn failed a preliminary drug test and did not hold an official rail operator licence issued by the Department of Rail Transport. Both men remain suspended from duty pending disciplinary proceedings and criminal investigations.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 18 May 2026