Train Driver Fails Drug Test After Bangkok Crash

RIP to the victims and condolences to their families.

Positive drug test for the driver, a crossing already known as “one of Bangkok’s most dangerous,” emergency braking only 100 metres before impact, and officials admitting they rely on the judgement of station staff instead of proper automated safety systems…

Looks less like a tragic accident and more like every level of the system failed at the exact same time.

Should never happen anymore, use AI, get rid of useless staff. AI bus driver wouldn't have gone on the track when unable to pass through

You don't need to be on drugs to play Thailand's game of "me first" but it may help.

My sympathy to the victims and their families. Avoidable tragedies like this really make you think just how fragile life can be.

So many times have I been in a bus in BKK that has stopped on the level because of the traffic, and the incoming train has also had to wait for the crossing to clear.

Still, it doesn't excuse this train driver!

I was under the impression that trains always had right of way.... 35 kph is hardly fast.

44 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I was under the impression that trains always had right of way.... 35 kph is hardly fast.

He also applied the brakes 100m out, I wonder what the distance is meant to be ?

My sympathies to the victims. It looks like everything that could go wrong has done. Have seen this many times in Thailand, stopping on the rails because of traffic and this attitude of I need to be first..

If the rain driver has been taking banned substances then he must face charges on several cases of manslaughter

Please do not let be swept under the carpet

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The train driver involved in the deadly Bangkok train-bus collision that killed eight people and injured dozens has failed a preliminary drug test, as investigators continue examining the cause of the crash at one of the capital’s most dangerous rail crossings.

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Police confirmed on May 17 that Mr Sayomporn, 46, the train driver involved in the collision at the Makkasan railway crossing near the Rama 9 - Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection, tested positive in an initial urine screening. Officers quietly escorted him to Makkasan Police Station for further questioning after charges had already been filed earlier in the day.

The crash occurred at approximately 3.40pm on May 16 when a train collided with a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus at the railway crossing in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok. Eight people were killed and at least 35 others injured in the collision, which has triggered renewed scrutiny over railway safety procedures and traffic management at busy urban crossings.

Transport officials later revealed findings from the train’s black box investigation. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Transport Minister, said the train had been travelling at 35 kilometres per hour before the impact and that the driver activated the emergency brake around 100 metres before the collision point.

Siripong said the braking distance appeared unusually short given the weight of the train and the circumstances surrounding the emergency stop. He added that investigators would examine the actions of railway signal operators, train personnel and overall operating procedures to determine whether established safety protocols had been followed.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said authorities should avoid drawing premature conclusions while the investigation remains ongoing. Speaking after visiting victims at Camillian Hospital on May 17, he said both the Rama 9 - Asoke-Phetchaburi crossing and the nearby Phetchaburi-Nana intersection required urgent safety reviews to prevent similar tragedies.

Anutin said he had instructed the State Railway of Thailand to review safety systems because relying solely on the judgement of station masters or signal staff was unacceptable. He said possible long-term solutions could include route adjustments or tunnel construction at dangerous railway crossings across Bangkok.

Amarin reported that authorities are also coordinating compensation for victims and their families through the State Railway of Thailand, the BMTA and insurance providers. Investigators are expected to continue examining evidence, including black box data and staff procedures, as transport agencies review railway crossing safety measures nationwide.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 18 May 2026

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Actions coming too late for the victims. Sad

I’ve walked out from Makkasan station many times after taking the airport link and looked down on that crossing. From memory the train line is straight for several hundred metres before the spot where the road crosses the line.

So amid the systemic equipment and planning errors, the bus driver error, I think it’s fair to say that the train driver wasn’t paying attention and didn’t brake as early as he could have.

I would add, that on two occasions as I’ve walked over the pedestrian overhead bridge, I’ve heard warning signals and seen flashing lights to indicate a train coming, and well before a train actually arrived. From what I could see each time, this was the trigger for traffic to rush through the crossing, seemingly because the cars/motorbikes/buses couldn’t actually see the train approaching yet.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Should never happen anymore, use AI, get rid of useless staff. AI bus driver wouldn't have gone on the track when unable to pass through

On the other hand, it could gun it and kill hundreds. You’d have to overhaul the entire system, which would likely bankrupt the country and the people ain’t ready for it. Easier at this point in time to have complete separation, i.e. no rail near rolling traffic.

Horrible for the killed and injured and the families. You never know when your time is up.

27 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

He also applied the brakes 100m out, I wonder what the distance is meant to be ?

Not sure if 'brake failure' is an admissible defense on railroad tracks. But hey, TiT.

3 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Not sure if 'brake failure' is an admissible defense on railroad tracks. But hey, TiT.

Nobody is mentioning brake failure.

He applied the brakes 100m before the train hit the bus, obviously 100m braking distance was inadequate for the speed/weight of the train.

I wonder what the safe braking distance actually is.

This could have been avoided if the bus driver had followed road rules and not driven onto the railway line with a red light, vehicles are meant to stop before the railway line until clear to cross but typical drivers here they do not want anyone to get in front of them. Also have to wonder at why the train was so close before it tried to stop, why did the signals not warn the train a lot sooner, did the booms try to go down much too late for the train to have room to stop, sounds like a typical stuff up by all concerned. Condolences to the families but very avoidable.

Authorities here are always quick to put the blame on individuals especially those who can’t defend themselves properly. There should be robust mechanisms in place to ensure boomgates are down when train approaches. A systemic issue is likely to cause accidents.

22 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

On the other hand, it could gun it and kill hundreds. You’d have to overhaul the entire system, which would likely bankrupt the country and the people ain’t ready for it. Easier at this point in time to have complete separation, i.e. no rail near rolling traffic.

Horrible for the killed and injured and the families. You never know when your time is up.

AI wouldn't gun it, it's way smarter than humans, the bus driver crossed the barrier and was waiting on the tracks for the road to clear, stupid and reckless

8 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Nobody is mentioning brake failure.

He applied the brakes 100m before the train hit the bus, obviously 100m braking distance was inadequate for the speed/weight of the train.

I wonder what the safe braking distance actually is.

Given that Thais constantly ignore barriers and warning lights, there are always vehicles on the tracks as the train approacheth. The only known known is that from the tiny windows in the cabin, the driver will see cars and trucks and busses trying to cross until the last second.

What then is the driver to do? The train is already crawling at 35kmh. If he brakes every time he sees a vehicle on the tracks 300m ahead, that will simply give a few more seconds for more cars and buses to squeeze through, and eventually the trains will come to a full stop and never make it out of the city.

Looks like the train driver is going to be made the scapegoat. Clearly there are many problems here bad planning and why drive onto a rail track if you can't drive off. Surely the lights were flashing even if they couldn't get the barriers down because of vehicles.

No automation.

Then put two cops there and any car/bike/bus/truck goes through the red gets an "On the spot fine"

Let the cops keep 50% of the takings, bit like US cops getting awards for DUI arrests whether the person is drunk or not.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Nobody is mentioning brake failure.

He applied the brakes 100m before the train hit the bus, obviously 100m braking distance was inadequate for the speed/weight of the train.

I wonder what the safe braking distance actually is.

I know, but just because it hasn't been mentioned yet.

I've never been a train driver either but 100 m doesn't sound right given the weight, mass and momentum of a freight train. A car needs the best part of 20 m to brake safely to a stop.

17 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I know, but just because it hasn't been mentioned yet.

I've never been a train driver either but 100 m doesn't sound right given the weight, mass and momentum of a freight train. A car needs the best part of 20 m to brake safely to a stop.

At 35km/h (same as the train was traveling at) a car would need 5 to 6m.

UPDATE

Train Driver in Bangkok Crash Had No Licence

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the deadly Bangkok train-bus collision, with transport officials confirming the train driver involved in the crash did not hold a valid operating licence issued by the Department of Rail Transport.

The revelation follows the May 16 collision between train service 2126 running from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue Junction and a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus at the Asok-Din Daeng railway crossing near Makkasan station. The crash killed eight people and injured more than 30 others after a fire broke out involving the bus, nearby vehicles and motorcycles.

Officials had already confirmed that the train driver, Mr Sayomporn Sonkul, tested positive in an initial drug screening following the crash. On May 18, Department of Rail Transport director-general Pichet Kunadhamraks said police had informed the department about the positive test result.

Pichet also disclosed that Mr Sayomporn had not yet received an official rail operator licence from the Department of Rail Transport despite working as a train driver. Authorities have now ordered his immediate suspension and launched a serious disciplinary investigation, into all involved.

The State Railway of Thailand has also been instructed to suspend staff connected to the incident, including the railway crossing barrier operator, while criminal proceedings continue. Investigators are also examining whether supervisors allowed a driver suspected of drug use to continue operating trains responsible for passenger and public safety.

In response to the crash, the Department of Rail Transport has issued an urgent order requiring all rail operators to conduct mandatory drug and alcohol screening before every shift. The checks will apply to train drivers, rail control staff, crossing gate operators and other ground personnel involved in operational safety under a “zero tolerance” policy.

Pichet said the measures were necessary to restore public confidence in Thailand’s rail system and ensure maximum safety standards. He cited Section 90 of the Rail Transport Act 2025, which grants inspectors authority to test rail personnel suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or psychotropic substances.

Amarin reported that authorities are continuing their wider investigation into the collision, including operational procedures, staff responsibilities and railway safety systems at the crossing where the crash occurred.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 18 May 2026

under the influence of drugs and not have a licence...State Railway of Thailand can it get worse ? All top shots in that Department should be sacked asap !

This story is just getting better and better. What´s next?

58 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

At 35km/h (same as the train was traveling at) a car would need 5 to 6m.

My totally AI-assisted answer was...

PS: I didn't have a say if I wanted AI assistance or not.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The State Railway of Thailand has also been instructed to suspend staff connected to the incident, including the railway crossing barrier operator, while criminal proceedings continue.

Quick! Rearrange those deck chairs!!!!

15 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

This story is just getting better and better. What´s next?

The driver is actually Burmese with a fake ID?

7 hours ago, Nemises said:

RIP to the victims and condolences to their families.

Positive drug test for the driver, a crossing already known as “one of Bangkok’s most dangerous,” emergency braking only 100 metres before impact, and officials admitting they rely on the judgement of station staff instead of proper automated safety systems…

Looks less like a tragic accident and more like every level of the system failed at the exact same time.

Early days as to our having all the relevant knowledge of all the facts- but it does start to look less like an accident and more like the result of negligence on a large scale

44 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

This story is just getting better and better. What´s next?

This is next on the list:

BANGKOK — 18 May 2026, Police on 18 May 2026 took a train driver and a flagman into custody for pre-trial detention in connection with a train collision with a passenger bus that killed eight people. The two suspects were taken to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road at 10:50 local time. Both appeared to be under stress, authorities said.
https://x.com/KhaosodEnglish/status/2056233328915964402

The train driver failed a drug test and didn't have a licence either... awkward to say the least for the rail management authorities. Way-to-go on the vetting process morons.

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Not sure if 'brake failure' is an admissible defense on railroad tracks. But hey, TiT.

He didn't blame brake failure but, hey, TIAN.