Court Grants Bail for Train Driver and Flagman at 100,000 Baht Each
A train driver and flagman were granted 100,000-baht bail each after a freight train struck a bus near Bangkok's Makkasan station on May 16, killing and injuring multiple people. Both face reckless conduct charges as investigators determine
On May 18, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, investigators from Makkasan Police Station brought train driver Sayomporn and railway employee Uten before the court. They are charged with reckless conduct resulting in death, serious injury, and bodily harm. The incident occurred on May 16 at 3:36 p.m. near the Airport Link Makkasan railway station when a freight train collided with a Route 206 bus traveling on Asoke-Dindaeng Road from Rama 9 intersection. The bus was positioned across the railway tracks when the train struck its left side, causing the bus to lose control and collide with another parked vehicle. The investigation determined that Uten, the road-flagging attendant, failed to properly display stop signals, preventing the train driver from seeing the warning. Both suspects denied the charges during questioning. The court ordered them detained until May 29 while investigations continue, with 30 witnesses still to be interviewed. Prosecutors, victims, and key witnesses opposed bail release due to the severity of charges and flight risk. The court ultimately approved bail at 100,000 baht per person. Additional reports indicate the train driver tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis, with his last use approximately 10 days prior.
