Train Driver Fails Drug Test After Bangkok Crash

3 hours ago, AustinRacing said:

. There should be robust mechanisms in place to ensure boomgates are down when train approaches. .

There are but the barriers cannot come down if there is traffic obstructing them, as was the case in this incident.

3 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

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 to

That is nonsense and is not "a known', visibility from the driver's cab is not an issue for a non-intoxicated person.

Where is the video of the accident, in process, real-time?

8 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Where is the video of the accident, in process, real-time?

Click on the related stories and you will find multiple videos of the incident, there is no need to post them again in each update topic.

It should be noted that THC/cannabis lingers in body tissues for up to a week after using, so this doesn't mean he either was, or wasn't high at the time. Nonetheless, applying brakes at 100m suggests he wasn't paying attention. I agree with those who have said that no bus driver (or any driver) should advance over the tracks when the warnings are sounding. That should be the absolute rule.

5 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

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

At a speed of 35 km/h, a fully loaded goods (freight) train typically requires about 100 to 200 meters (approx. 330 to 650 feet) to come to a complete stop, depending on its length, weight, and track gradient. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

UPDATE

Train Driver and Signalman Sent to Court for Detention

Picture courtesy of Thairath

Police in Bangkok have escorted the train driver and railway crossing signalman involved in the deadly train-bus collision to court for detention as investigations into the fatal crash continue.

Investigators from Makkasan Police Station brought Mr Sayomporn, the train driver, and Mr Uthen, the railway barrier operator, from the police station to court on May 18. Both men face charges of causing death and serious injury through negligence following the May 16 collision near the Airport Rail Link Makkasan station on Asok-Din Daeng Road.

Police first escorted Mr Uthen to the detention vehicle. Before entering the vehicle, he wai-ed and apologised to the families of those killed in the crash, saying he felt guilty over the incident.

Mr Uthen insisted he had waved a red flag and turned to press the button lowering the crossing barrier. He also claimed he had already warned the train driver to stop and denied acting negligently. He did not answer questions about whether he had spoken with the train driver since the crash.

Mr Sayomporn was then escorted from the station wearing a face mask and keeping his head lowered throughout the transfer. Reporters repeatedly asked whether he saw the warning signals and flags, why he did not stop the train and whether he had used drugs before operating the service following reports of a positive drug test.

The train driver did not respond to any questions from the media. Journalists at the scene observed that his eyes appeared red and that he looked visibly stressed before police transferred him directly to court.

Authorities had earlier confirmed that Mr Sayomporn tested positive in a preliminary drug screening and also lacked an official rail operator licence issued by the Department of Rail Transport. Both men have already been suspended from duty pending disciplinary investigations.

ThaiRath reported that police investigators formally opposed bail during both the investigation stage and court proceedings as the inquiry into the cause of the crash continues.

Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 18 May 2026

It's bad enough that a couple of irresponsible people may have caused this, but now there will be no reprieve, in that these guys will have to live for the rest of their lives with the fact that 9 people died as a result of their actions/inactions.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Click on the related stories and you will find multiple videos of the incident, there is no need to post them again in each update topic.

OK.

I will search.

Looks like they are blaming the train driver, but what was the bus doing on the tracks? I often see drivers on the tracks even when stopped at the red traffic lights. Thais don't seem to bother about the warning sounds, lights or barriers (that is when there is a barrier).

Just now, DaRoadrunner said:

Looks like they are blaming the train driver, but what was the bus doing on the tracks? I often see drivers on the tracks even when stopped at the red traffic lights. Thais don't seem to bother about the warning sounds, lights or barriers (that is when there is a barrier).

Yes.

Correct.

This same phenomenon happens all the time in the USA with thousands of crossings, and outdated infrastructure.

Even if the driver might or might not test positive for some drug, still the accident might not be the train-driver's fault.

Depending upon conditions 35kph, or whatever, might be an approved speed for the track in that area, at that time of day.

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

The driver is actually Burmese with a fake ID?

Yeah, with absolutely no connection to the State Railway.

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

5 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.

Where did I or anyone else say that the driver blamed it on brake failure? But hey, Ti @Liverpool Lou

33 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, with absolutely no connection to the State Railway.

Yes, the guy that hired him never worked for SRT either. Neither did his boss.

...or his boss.

1 hour ago, Jonathan Swift said:

It's bad enough that a couple of irresponsible people may have caused this, but now there will be no reprieve, in that these guys will have to live for the rest of their lives with the fact that 9 people died as a result of their actions/inactions.

And the guys in higher echelons that oversee the hiring process? You know, the ones with government cars and drivers? Only a couple of irresponsible people?

UPDATE

Train Driver Missing From Cab Before Fatal Crash

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Fresh evidence has emerged in the investigation into the train collision with Bangkok bus route 206 that killed eight people, after CCTV footage reportedly showed no sign of train driver Sayomporn Suankul in the driver’s seat moments before the crash.

Investigators from Metropolitan Police Division 1 are examining footage captured before the collision, with some cameras reportedly showing the locomotive cab while the train was moving. Police said the footage did not show Mr Sayomporn seated at the controls.

Authorities also revealed that when Mr Sayomporn was taken into custody after the crash, he was not wearing the official State Railway of Thailand uniform. Instead, he was reportedly dressed in a T-shirt, long trousers and leather shoes, in apparent breach of railway regulations governing train operations.

The driver later surrendered to investigators at Makkasan Police Station. Police also noted that his hair had been cut significantly shorter after the crash, with reports claiming a supervisor sent a barber to cut his hair while he was receiving treatment in hospital.

Investigators are now examining whether the haircut and clothing irregularities have any relevance to the wider inquiry. The findings have added to growing questions surrounding operational procedures and supervision linked to the crash.

Police have summoned the train mechanic or assistant driver who was travelling on the same train as Mr Sayomporn for urgent questioning on the afternoon of 18 May. Officers are seeking to establish who was present in the cab and whether standard operating procedures were followed before the collision occurred.

Daily News reported that authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional charges or disciplinary measures will follow as the investigation continues. Police said forensic reviews of the CCTV footage and witness statements remain ongoing.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 18 May 2026

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That is nonsense and is not "a known', visibility from the driver's cab is not an issue for a non-intoxicated person.

It is if it takes the train 1km to come to a half.

Which is why the ‘flag man’ was also arrested as it was his position to alert the train driver that the junction was blocked.

It is reported that the driver was also sent a radio message to stop the train.

Visibility was never the issue - safety measures (theoretically) in place accounted for that & the junction / crossing being blocked / gridlocked (which was not uncommon at that junction).

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

is nonsense and is not "a known', visibility from the driver's cab is not an issue for a non-intoxicated person.

It is if it takes the train 1km to come to a half

The only thing that I was commenting on was some poster's claim that the driver couldn't see out of i the train's tiny windows which is bollicks.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

3 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

7 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.

Where did I or anyone else say that the driver blamed it on brake failure

You insinuated that brake failure might be an issue because you said it would not be a defence, so it was you who suggested it.

37 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

The only thing that I was commenting on was some poster's claim that the driver couldn't see out of i the train's tiny windows which is bollicks.

Which is moot - it takes longer than the 'visibility' to bring such a heavy train to a halt.

Trains can be 20-40 carriages which is 400 to 800m long - a full train could take 1.5 kms to come to a halt under emergency breaking (which is up near RCA to initiate) when travelling at the 'recommended' < 60kmh

The speed would 'expected' to be less than that as the trains have to slow down for these junctions and usually travel through multiple crossings and rely on the signals - are visibly a lot slower than 60 kmh - and take an age to pass the crossing (which is why everyone attempts to force through in the first place)

The Earlier Signal house before the 'impact junction' is 535m away - as the train crosses the Phet Uthai.

Its possible that a slower moving train (i.e. 40 kmh ) had room to stop IF warned correctly at that junction.

Again - ALL of this is somewhat moot as there is a far greater issue at hand - for 'modern' developing city with horrific traffic issues - having this many 'street level' crossings is a major issue.

12 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

Do you know any AI bus drivers?

UPDATE

Train Driver and Signalman Granted Bail

Picture courtesy of Naewna

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.

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.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 18 May 2026

9 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

UPDATE

Train Driver and Signalman Granted Bail

Picture courtesy of Naewna

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.

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.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 18 May 2026

UNBELIEVABLE, it's a shame. But we have to respect and accept the court's decision.

1 minute ago, D Peter said:

UNBELIEVABLE, it's a shame. But we have to respect and accept the court's decision.

Indeed, if a Benz driver travelling at 150 km/h on an casing death by dangerous driving can be give bail, then the same principle of due process should also be afforded to these two men.

That said, there are far more troubling aspects to this tragedy than the actions of the individuals immediately involved - and proportioning 'direct blame' thus sweeping a far wider issue under the carpet.

Most likely, these men will be publicly sacrificed as the sole faces of blame, while the broader system that enabled the disaster escapes meaningful scrutiny. And while responsibility may well rest with them, there are also profound systemic failures at play - failures for which far more senior officials, administrators, and government bodies should also be held accountable.

• Who authorised the employment of an allegedly unlicensed train driver?

• Who was responsible for implementing and enforcing routine drug and fitness testing?

• Who oversaw the training, supervision, and operational standards of signal personnel?

• Who was responsible for ensuring that adequate fail-safe mechanisms existed so that multiple simultaneous human errors could not culminate in catastrophe?

• Who allowed a notoriously gridlocked urban crossing to continue operating under procedures so heavily dependent on human intervention rather than automated safeguards?

This tragedy is not solely about the individuals directly involved in the final moments of failure. It is equally about the chain of oversight above them - those entrusted with creating systems robust enough to prevent foreseeable human mistakes from becoming mass-casualty events - and lets face it, this was entirely foreseeable - as foreseeable as the next bus full of tourists rolling down a ravine, the next overloaded truck killing xxx people with brake failure, the next Rama II collapse, the next person mown down on a pedestrian crossing, the next speeding high powered sport car being driven by a wealthy teen wiping out and killing people....

Too often in Thailand, accountability stops at the lowest operational level. The ordinary worker, driver, or operator is left exposed to public outrage and legal punishment, while those higher up the hierarchy remain insulated from scrutiny despite presiding over the very culture that allowed corners to be cut, standards to erode, and risk to become normalised.

That is the deeper issue here: not merely individual negligence, but endemic institutional failure which will continue to go on ignored - and continue to enable further tragedy.

UPDATE

Rail Union Defends Driver in Bangkok Crash

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Thailand’s railway workers union has pushed back against claims that the train driver involved in the deadly Bangkok train-bus collision was operating illegally without a licence, while also disputing official statements about the train’s braking distance.

The State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand issued a statement on May 18 following comments by Department of Rail Transport director-general Pichet Kunadhamraks regarding the May 16 crash between freight train service 2126 and BMTA bus route 206 at the Asok-Din Daeng railway crossing near Makkasan station.

The union said public comments suggesting the driver lacked a valid licence had created widespread misunderstanding and unfairly damaged the reputation of railway personnel. It stressed that train drivers employed by the State Railway of Thailand had long been trained, tested and appointed under existing railway regulations before the Rail Transport Act 2025 came into force.

According to the union, the new rail transport law was published in the Royal Gazette on December 27, 2025 and became effective on March 27, 2026. However, transitional provisions under Section 156 allow existing train drivers to continue working legally while the new licensing system is being phased in.

The union stated that the State Railway of Thailand had already submitted licence applications for 951 operational staff members, but only 208 licences had so far been issued by the Department of Rail Transport. It argued that if all remaining staff without newly issued licences were suspended, 743 train services would immediately be affected nationwide.

The statement also challenged comments reportedly made by the rail transport chief suggesting trains should have braking distances of up to two kilometres. The union said the freight train involved in the crash had been travelling within the 40km/h speed limit with locomotive unit 578 and would normally require around 200 metres to stop safely under those operating conditions.

Union representatives added that train drivers were currently facing severe staff shortages and excessive workloads. They said the rail system required 1,258 drivers but currently employed only 951, leaving many staff working continuously with limited weekly rest.

Naewna reported that the union said it had repeatedly urged the Transport Ministry to increase staffing levels to improve safety and reduce fatigue among train operators responsible for older locomotives. It added that railway workers had consistently pushed for improved safety measures across the network.

Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 18 May 2026

Very tragic of course, but if one was to stop say every member of parliament, every train or taxi driver or say all the staff in a hospital and give them a drug screening test, no matter where in the world.....chances are that the positive results would make public uproar. Drugs have infected and corrupted society all over the world and at every level. But what are the respective nations mainly in the west doing about it and what pressure are they putting on the drug producing nations or nations like Dubai giving safe havens to the kingpins ?

Who in their right mind would stop ON a railway crossing irrespective of any circumstances. Stop before the crossing or if by some chance you get blocked on the rossing back out evan if its on the wrong side of the road. If your stopped and not on the crossing you are safe. But then again this is Thailand!.

I often wonder if the leaders of this country have feelings for their next of kind at all! They sit there like "elephants in the room" allowing free sale of drug, alcohol 24/7 and seems to smile all the way around while 40 - 60 plus citizens die daily in traffic, from drug abuse and domestic violence who could to a greater level be avoided by having a law and reliable people to enforce the law, but due to greed, integrated through generations with oppression of the public, people continue to die in road accidents, from infrastructure falling apart and avoidable violence. In large part because education to the people is feared by the elite, "i.e., dangerous if the public begins to understand" and not just accept and serve anymore the top brasses income base could partly dimmish if grass rot people understand that drug abuse, alcohol abuse 24/7 is not compatible with the safety of themself, their children and the public's well-being.

Felt

On 5/18/2026 at 8:48 AM, 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.

they said for a freight train 2 km but this train was slow !

What did the union say about the driver, previously convicted of a drug offense but still allowed to drive trains, admitting that he is a regular drug user?