Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A van carrying schoolchildren tempted disaster after it drove through a railway crossing barrier just moments before a train passed through, sparking widespread concern about safety at the frequently breached crossing in Phan Thong district, Chonburi.

 

The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media via the Facebook page Khao Yai Phan Thong-Chonburi, shows a covered pick-up truck modified for school transport carrying a group of female students. The footage reveals the driver edging forward before suddenly accelerating around the lowered barrier, just seconds ahead of an oncoming train. The students inside the van appeared visibly panicked and fearful.

 

The post accompanying the video criticised the driver’s recklessness, saying: “Just wait a bit longer, it’s not worth risking our children’s lives. Where is the safety in Phan Thong?”

 

Reporters visited the site of the incident at a railway crossing near the Baan Ua-Arthorn housing estate in Phan Thong Subdistrict. The barrier was functioning normally and operated on an automatic system.

 

Local resident, Auntie Jamnian, who lives nearby, described the moment: “I heard the train’s horn blaring very loudly. When I ran outside, I saw the school van had just gone through the barrier, and the train passed by seconds later. It was incredibly dangerous.”

 

She added that this particular crossing lacks an on-site attendant and vehicles often ignore the barriers, crossing dangerously close to oncoming trains. “There have been multiple accidents here in the past, some with injuries, others fatal,” she warned. “Drivers need to be more cautious, especially those responsible for children.”

 

The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement and improved safety measures at unmanned railway crossings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-28.

 

 

 

The driver will possibly  get promoted and a raise, for getting the students  there 5 seconds faster!

42 minutes ago, WEBBYB808 said:

The driver will possibly  get promoted and a raise, for getting the students  there 5 seconds faster!

I was kinda thinking it should be easy enough to determine who was driving and fire his ass. 

Oh Thailand. SMH.

It's a product of being genetically obtuse, selective breeding might be a good course of action, because Darwin's theory of evolution is painfully too slow.

Charge him/her with reckless endangerment then give the driver the sack.

I have a holiday house  in Chaochoengsao  when I'm on my computer I face a boom crossing on that same line. Many times no one stops when the boom lowers. There's been several fatalities and numerous injuries but no one ever puts it down to stupidty as it's just another accident when it happens.

To punish the driver involves too much paper work, so dont do it again   will be enough for the police

A new trend in Thailand.... Accidents or nearly accidents with schoolvans...Thailand the hub of unsafety we can read nowhere even so the hub of dumb and irresponsible drivers

Driver should never be allowed to operate public transport again, let him drive himself into a train if he wants, but dont take innocent kids to their demise!