Bus Driver and Freight Train Operator Charged After Deadly Thailand Accident

As reported by the Bangkok Post on Sunday (17 May 2026), charges have been filed against Sayomporn Suankul (46), the driver of bus number 206, and Lapit Thongboon (56), the operator of freight train number 2126 from Laem Chabang to Bang Sue.

The collision occurred at a level crossing on Asok-Din Daeng Road in the Huai Khwang district at 3:41 PM on Saturday. The freight train struck a passenger bus that had stopped on the tracks due to traffic congestion in the area.

The resulting impact caused the bus to catch fire. At least eight people were killed, and 32 were injured. Several other vehicles were also damaged in the incident.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the collision occurred because the level crossing barriers could not be lowered due to a vehicle stopping on the tracks. According to regulations, vehicles are prohibited from stopping at level crossings or within a five-meter radius.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected the scene on Saturday evening and questioned why there were no railway personnel warning the train operator about the traffic congestion at the level crossing. He noted that this section of road is consistently congested.

The debris from the accident has been cleared, and the train was removed from the tracks on Saturday night. The road has now been reopened to both vehicular and rail traffic. Meanwhile, flowers have been laid at the scene as a sign of mourning for the victims.