Court Grants Bail to Train Driver and Flagman in Train-Bus Collision Case, Each Released on 100,000 Baht Bond with Electronic Monitoring
A train driver and railway flagman were granted bail with electronic monitoring in connection with a fatal train-bus collision, each released on 100,000 baht bond while investigation continues with 30 witnesses still to be interviewed.
On May 18, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, investigators from Makkasan Police Station presented train cargo operator Sayamphon and state railway official Uthane, who was responsible for controlling traffic at the railway crossing, for detention in connection with the train-bus collision case. They face charges of gross negligence resulting in death, serious injury, and bodily harm to others.
Investigation remains incomplete as officials need to interview 30 witnesses and await fingerprint analysis and background checks. The court ordered their detention until May 29, 2025. Investigators, victims, and key witnesses opposed temporary release, citing the severity of charges and flight risk concerns.
After the detention hearing concluded, Uthane requested temporary release, offering his official position as collateral. The Criminal Court analyzed the charges and case circumstances, determining them to be negligence-based offenses. Given Uthane's stable residence, stable employment, and very low risk assessment with no evidence of flight intent, the court approved temporary release with electronic monitoring. He was banned from leaving Thailand without court permission and prohibited from interfering with the investigation. A 150,000 baht penalty applies if he violates the conditions. He must report to court monthly and notify immigration authorities.
For Sayamphon, the court similarly found the charges to be negligence-based with low flight risk. The court granted temporary release with electronic monitoring and a 100,000 baht bail bond. Violations incur a 150,000 baht penalty. He faces the same travel restrictions, investigation interference prohibitions, and monthly reporting requirements as Uthane.
