Family of Final Victim in Train-Bus Collision Arrives to Claim Body, Describes Deceased's Solitary Life
Family members claimed the body of the eighth and final victim of a train-bus collision at Bangkok's Asok-Dindeang intersection, a 44-year-old insurance worker whose isolated life meant he had no close family to initially report him missing
On May 26, 2025, at the Police Hospital's Forensic Institute, 60-year-old Nanthavaly Nakrop, the deceased's eldest sister, arrived along with her father's younger brother Long Pintong, 59, to claim the body of Semlap Pintong, a 44-year-old insurance company employee and the eighth and final victim of the train-bus collision at the Asok-Dindeang intersection. The family had not previously come forward to report him missing. The investigation led by Deputy Inspector Jarupat Buakaew from Mukkasan Police Station traced clues from Instagram stories posted by another victim, Wipharuks Phueri, and connected with the deceased's close friends and company, ultimately conducting DNA testing with his paternal cousin Pairat Pintong to confirm his identity, despite the two not being well acquainted.
Nanthavaly, 60, the deceased's maternal aunt who raised him as a child and hadn't seen him for over 30 years, revealed that although they had drifted apart geographically, they maintained contact and supported each other. She expressed shock upon learning he was among the victims, only discovering this when his friends and employer contacted her after the accident occurred the previous week.
"His life was lonely. Sometimes he wouldn't even answer calls, so we rarely spoke, only on important holidays," Nanthavaly said. "He was talented, hardworking, and had a good character. His parents and younger sister have all passed. He worked in insurance and had to commute to work, returning home late every day. When we'd visit, sometimes we'd stand waiting in the dark because he hadn't returned yet. He had no family. It was a pitiful life."
She emphasized that the family's visit was not motivated by hopes for compensation or financial settlement, only to properly care for and give their relative a dignified final farewell. "We're not expecting money at all. Even if we received nothing, we wouldn't mind. We just want to care for and send our brother off in the best way possible."
The family will take the deceased's body for religious ceremonies at Chompuvet Temple in Muang Nonthaburi district, where the remains of the deceased's parents and sister are kept. His rental room remains unopened as the family deliberates on next steps.
Thanakorn Sangkaew, director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's Personnel Development Office, attending the proceedings, expressed condolences and stated that the BMTA will take full responsibility for the body's collection, religious ceremonies, and all related arrangements, including compensation according to applicable regulations. The family can determine the dates and procedures according to their wishes. Sangkaew confirmed that the BMTA has already assisted the families of the seven previously identified victims and will continue providing full support.
