I hope the people that died from this tragedy Rest In Peace 🙏🙏 and their Families receive proper compensation from Ital-Thai

32 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

One might have hoped or imagined no such re-positioning was going on whilst a public train was moving in direct line of fire below? Surely safety protocols must control only one activity at a time in a dangerous work site, ie. either the crane is working/moving or the train is? Not both at the same time!

Safety protocols and procedures are all well and good......as long as they are adhered to and followed!

Once again Ital-Thai, yes the same quality bid to the company that was directly involved in a major building collapse during an earthquake in March 2025.

The incident involved the State Audit Office (SAO) headquarters, which was under construction in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. I guess the public servants serving the populace has no sense of responsibility let alone irony. A corrupt bid on the State Audit Authority. How blantant is such an action. In contrast, as a result of the Wenzhou train collision, China sentenced the minister of transport, Liu Zhijun, to death. His sentence was committed to life in prison. Note that Italian-Thai Development (ITD) has been directly involved in major accidents on Rama 2 Road, a highway in Thailand notorious for frequent construction mishaps.

Whose pockets are benefiting that ITD still executes government bids? What a pathetic excuse for a government that pretends to act on behalf of the Thai people

What a horrible accident, saddening. Sickening as well though, it looks like yet another accident that could have been prevented with proper safety standards/enforcement thereof.

18 minutes ago, LennyW said:

Safety protocols and procedures are all well and good......as long as they are adhered to and followed!

That is the problem there are No enforment of safety procedures safety cost money !! lives are cheap !! fines by the goverment are cheap!!, to thais all they want is the money who cares who gets killed, thailands safety record is shamefull

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Get a grip. No need for hysteria. Thailand does not have a significant history of these types of incidents.

You obviously have not kept up to date on the "accidents" on the Bangkok expressways where things have collapsed.

UPDATE

Death Toll Rises to 32 After Crane Collapse Hits Passenger Train

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

The death toll from a crane collapse onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima has risen to 32, with rescue teams continuing a search for bodies trapped inside the wreckage. The incident has left 67 people injured out of 208 passengers, causing major disruption to rail services and prompting a large-scale emergency response. Authorities confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing.

Major General Narongsak Phromtha, commander of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, said the crane operator had been taken in for questioning. He confirmed that the operator was not injured and was able to give a statement, though detailed questioning was still ongoing. Police are examining reports suggesting the crane may have been improperly controlled, alongside other possible contributing factors.

He added that if negligence or operational failure is established, legal action will be taken without the need for a formal complaint. Investigators will also assess the responsibility of the construction contractor based on available evidence and established legal procedures. Officials stressed that all aspects of the incident, including safety controls at the construction site, are under review.

Italian-Thai Development Plc, the contractor for the project, issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured. The company said it would take full responsibility for compensation and medical expenses for the injured and bereaved families. It also pledged full cooperation with authorities and support for all agencies involved in restoring normal conditions as quickly as possible.

Key Takeaways

• The crane collapse on 14 January 2026 killed 32 people and injured 67 out of 208 passengers.

• Police are questioning the crane operator and investigating potential negligence or other causes.

• The contractor has pledged compensation, medical support, and cooperation with authorities.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-14

 

 

What a cruel irony if there was anyone on the train because they felt riding in a bus or car on Thai roadways was too dangerous.

Awful accident.

Rest in peace all those that lost their lives. My thoughts are with the injured and those that have lost loved ones.

5 hours ago, ronster said:

you have to think what are the odds the crane collapsed at the same time a train was under it .

100% in this instance.

Accountability Demanded After Fatal Crane Collapse: PM Acts

File photo for reference only

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has demanded accountability following a devastating crane collapse in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima, which claimed 28 lives and injured 64 others. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when the crane, part of a high-speed rail project, fell onto Special Express 21. This caused a derailment and subsequent fires in multiple train carriages, prompting an urgent and comprehensive response.

The Prime Minister has ordered Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand Anan Phonimdang to spearhead an on-site investigation. He emphasized prioritizing aid for the injured while ensuring a thorough probe into the accident's causes. Sending condolences to the victims' families, PM Anutin highlighted the importance of addressing both immediate rescue operations and long-term accountability measures.

A critical point raised by PM Anutin is the contractor's history, questioning why they haven't been blacklisted despite recurring safety breaches, including a tunnel collapse the previous year. He urged that the issue be handled with a focus on technical evaluations rather than as a political matter. Stressing the gravity of the situation, he seeks to hold all parties involved accountable and insists on stricter adherence to safety protocols for current and future projects.

Moving forward, the government will implement comprehensive safety reviews for ongoing rail construction to prevent further incidents. Anutin's call for accountability includes potential legal and disciplinary actions against those found negligent. He reaffirmed that safety must be the cornerstone of infrastructure development, ensuring rigorous oversight and compliance to protect public welfare, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister calls for accountability after crane collapse kills 28.

• Questions arise over contractor's history of safety violations.

• Government prioritizes safety in future construction projects.

Related Stories

Multiple Deaths After Crane Collapses Onto Passenger Train

Rama II Road: Crane Collapse Crushes Pickup Truck

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-14

 

 

Good on ya Anutin = too little to late!

48 minutes ago, bdenner said:

Good on ya Anutin = too little to late!

PM Anutin from the Sino Thai construction Company family.

Conflicts of interest are clear if he involves himself in this.

I wonder who the scapegoat is going to be.

Probably the train driver, especially if he died.

6 hours ago, Yagoda said:

I was out there a few years ago and wondering why they were building an elevated line when they could have laid track on the ground.

Bet its a joint Thai-Chinese worksite.

You'd lose that bet.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The contractor responsible for the project is Italian-Thai Development Plc..

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

You'd lose that bet.

OK, your Chinese buds arent responsible...this time. Thanks for correcting.

What really comes to mind here is the question of who's responsible for building these projects, and why do these accidents continue to happen?

This accident of course reminds one of the series of accidents that have happened with the Rama II highway construction, which continues to be a national disaster, both in terms of safety and decades long delays.

I think Thailand should simply surrender these projects to the Chinese, they would get done in a year or two, and they'd likely get done without accidents.

UPDATE

Two Foreign Nationals Among 32 Killed in Train–Crane Crash

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Two foreign nationals are among the 32 people confirmed dead following a collision between a train and a crane in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The victims have been identified as Mr Friedrich Wilhelm, a German national, and Kim Yongho, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed. Authorities said the death toll stands at 32, reaffirming figures reported in earlier coverage of the incident.

The collision occurred when a train struck a crane, resulting in mass casualties and significant disruption. Emergency services were deployed to the scene, and recovery operations led to the confirmation of fatalities and the identification of victims.

As investigations progressed, officials worked to formally identify those killed and notify families. The confirmation that two of the victims were foreign nationals marks a significant development in the ongoing response to the disaster. Consular procedures are now expected to follow in line with established protocols.

Authorities have not revised the overall casualty figures since earlier updates. The identification of Mr Friedrich Wilhelm and Kim Yongho was announced as part of a continuing process to account for all victims. Officials stressed that some personal details, including nationality in certain cases, are still being verified.

Investigative work into the circumstances of the collision remains ongoing. Khoasod reported that in the coming days, officials are expected to complete victim identification and continue formal notifications. The incident remains under active investigation and authorities have said they will provide additional details when appropriate.

Video of the incident occurring

Key Takeaways

• Thirty-two people were killed in the train–crane collision in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

• Two of the victims have been identified as foreign nationals, including a German citizen.

• Investigations and victim identification processes are ongoing.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-14

 

 

4 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Have you considered requesting an appointment with MR.PREMCHAI KARNASUTA, PRESIDENT to discuss your concerns? I think he was released from jail by now.

Wasn't he also jailed for killing and eating a protected black leopard in one of the National Parks not so long ago?

11 minutes ago, IslandLover said:

Wasn't he also jailed for killing and eating a protected black leopard in one of the National Parks not so long ago?

Premchai was release in 2023 for that one.

He did not eat it.

28 minutes ago, IslandLover said:

Wasn't he also jailed for killing and eating a protected black leopard in one of the National Parks not so long ago?

Loei Forest Encroachment 680 million baht fine. Not paid still under litigation 8 years later.Making efforts to insure the law allows for a loophole

B that could allow wealthy developers like those at CPK International to escape both criminal punishment and the 600+ million THB civil fines.

Black leopard poaching - 3 years,2 months jail

SAO building collapse - 67 counts of wrongdoings

Rama 2 remains the most notorious road in Thailand due to endless construction and frequent safety failures.

Rama 2

Safety Incidents (2025–2026): Public anger peaked after several "falling object" accidents where construction debris and metal beams from the elevated highway projects struck moving vehicles.

The "Seven Generations" Joke: In 2025, Rama 2 went viral again as the "Road of Seven Generations," highlighting that construction has been ongoing for decades without a clear end.

Current Status: The Ministry of Transport has placed ITD and other contractors under "probation." If another major safety lapse occurs, they face being blacklisted from future government bidding—though this has been threatened many times before without full enforcement.

WTF

High-Speed Rail (HSR) Tragedy (Jan 14, 2026)

Just today, a catastrophic event occurred on the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail (Phase 1: Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima).

The Crane Collapse: A massive launching gantry crane at an ITD-managed construction site in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima, collapsed directly onto a moving passenger train.

Casualties: Current reports confirm 32 deaths and over 60 injuries. This is one of the deadliest rail-related construction accidents in Thai history.

Impact on ITD: Because ITD was the lead contractor, there is immense pressure on the government to finally bar the company from the remaining HSR contracts (Phase 2 to Nong Khai).

The 3-Airport High-Speed Link

This is the "Eastern" HSR project meant to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports.

The Dispute: This project has been stalled for years due to a "tug-of-war" between the CP Group (the lead investor) and the government over who pays for infrastructure relocation.

2026 Outlook: The government recently threatened to revoke the contract entirely if construction doesn't start by mid-2026. However, with the recent Nakhon Ratchasima tragedy, all HSR safety protocols are currently under a mandatory national review.

Can you believe the scale of corruption that affords this organized crime organization the ability to execute a public structure? This evil organization needs to have their business license revoked asap. No other way. Transnational criminals use time was an asset.

All this clap trap about investigations and engineering tests etc.

Will only change one thing , somebody will be given a lot of money.

In the future high speed trains will run above the slow trains serving local towns.

Well isn't that just several accidents waiting to happen.

57 minutes ago, IslandLover said:

Wasn't he also jailed for killing and eating a protected black leopard in one of the National Parks not so long ago?

38 months was his penalty. His youngest son is the current acting President. Jr. is a graduate of the Berkeley in California, USA, so you know things are under control........

I was in Sikhio today it's about 1 hour from my home. When I got there I didn't see anything out of the ordinary I even drove through the train tracks 3 times actually as I got a little bit lost. I eventually found 3BB office i sorted out my business came out and saw a massage place and thought why not 200 baht for an hour. In I went about 30 minutes in I heard and saw dozens of emergency vehicles screaming past I said whats going on and the lady said oh 22 dead near here and showed me a video I felt sick. Its a Government problem all are corrupt. Of course all the top people have come for a photo opportunity but I saw responders scrambling over the train with bare feet and no safety clothing. Keep the common man down is the mantra here. FFS give people enough so they can buy shoes. Corruption ItalThai say no more.

This crane collapsing onto a train, killing dozens, is not an aberration. It is a predictable outcome of Thailand’s deeply entrenched failures in health and safety.

Across the country, both major civil engineering projects and small-scale works routinely fail to separate construction activity from the public. Trains, traffic and pedestrians are allowed to pass directly through active work sites with little more than cones, tape or nothing at all. The fact that operational transport routes run straight through serious engineering works should itself be raising red flags.

This same mindset unfortunately carries over into everyday life: road safety, public transport, and even building and hotel design, where basic risk mitigation is often treated as optional rather than essential.

Officially separating road deaths from other workplace or public-space fatalities obscures the wider reality—a regulatory culture that is permissive, reactive, and rarely enforced until after people are killed.

This isn’t about bad luck or “Thai style”. It’s about systemic negligence. Anyone living or travelling here would do well to assume that safety standards are low and personal vigilance is necessary.

6 hours ago, n8sail said:

Sure was. Joint Venture.
"The contractors were the joint venture between Italian-Thai Development and China Railways Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd.^[10]"

Chinese company in Rayong made the faulty steel that caused that collapse.

ItalThai need investigation

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Premchai was release in 2023 for that one.

He did not eat it.

no he was caught before it was cooked!

5 hours ago, RayOday said:

I guess the public servants serving the populace has no sense of responsibility let alone irony

They probably are too busy building their new house for when they get back from that luxury holiday.

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Accountability Demanded After Fatal Crane Collapse: PM Acts

File photo for reference only

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has demanded accountability following a devastating crane collapse in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima, which claimed 28 lives and injured 64 others. The incident occurred on January 14, 2026, when the crane, part of a high-speed rail project, fell onto Special Express 21. This caused a derailment and subsequent fires in multiple train carriages, prompting an urgent and comprehensive response.

The Prime Minister has ordered Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand Anan Phonimdang to spearhead an on-site investigation. He emphasized prioritizing aid for the injured while ensuring a thorough probe into the accident's causes. Sending condolences to the victims' families, PM Anutin highlighted the importance of addressing both immediate rescue operations and long-term accountability measures.

A critical point raised by PM Anutin is the contractor's history, questioning why they haven't been blacklisted despite recurring safety breaches, including a tunnel collapse the previous year. He urged that the issue be handled with a focus on technical evaluations rather than as a political matter. Stressing the gravity of the situation, he seeks to hold all parties involved accountable and insists on stricter adherence to safety protocols for current and future projects.

Moving forward, the government will implement comprehensive safety reviews for ongoing rail construction to prevent further incidents. Anutin's call for accountability includes potential legal and disciplinary actions against those found negligent. He reaffirmed that safety must be the cornerstone of infrastructure development, ensuring rigorous oversight and compliance to protect public welfare, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister calls for accountability after crane collapse kills 28.

• Questions arise over contractor's history of safety violations.

• Government prioritizes safety in future construction projects.

Related Stories

Multiple Deaths After Crane Collapses Onto Passenger Train

Rama II Road: Crane Collapse Crushes Pickup Truck

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2026-01-14

 

 

The buck stops with him.

I always felt safe on trains in Thailand, but I will think twice next time. Anything bad can happen and will happen sooner or later.