Railway Union Pushes Back Against Transport Department Over Train Driver Licensing, Clarifies Braking Distance at Only 200 Meters

The State Enterprise Workers' Union of the Thai Railways (SRT Union) has issued a statement affirming the facts to ensure public understanding of train driver licensing and worker protections under the transitional provisions of the 2568 Rail Transport Act. Following the tragic accident involving Freight Train 2126 colliding with Route 206 bus at the Asok-Din Daeng railway crossing on May 16, 2569, resulting in deaths and numerous injuries, the SRT Union expresses sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. While the true facts and causes of the accident are undergoing detailed investigation by relevant authorities, the union notes that some misinformation has circulated. The union clarifies that when the Rail Transport Department's director stated on May 17, 2569 that "the train operator involved had not yet received an operator license from the Rail Transport Department and has been suspended from duty," this incomplete information created confusion about rail workers' operational systems and caused widespread public misunderstanding that Thai Railways employees were working illegally without proper qualifications. The SRT Union, representing railway workers, must clarify the factual and legal position to protect worker dignity and public understanding.

1. Regarding the director's media statement that the train must engage brakes 2 kilometers before the stop point: this is incorrect. For a train to stop efficiently, locomotive condition, train consist weight, and other factors must be considered. On the day in question, the train had 578 units, traveled at no more than 40 km/h, and had a normal stopping distance of approximately 200 meters, not 2 kilometers.

2. Before the 2568 Rail Transport Act took effect, all Thai Railways train operators underwent proper screening, training, testing, and appointment to their positions according to law and Thai Railways Regulation No. 3.1, issued under authority of Section 25(3) of the 2494 Thai Railways Act. All personnel have consistently undergone standardized vetting with legal backing.

3. Although the 2568 Rail Transport Act was published in the Royal Gazette on December 27, 2568 and took effect on March 27, 2569, Section 156 of the transitional provisions clearly protects and supports the rights of existing train operators, allowing them to continue performing duties during the transition period to the new licensing system without creating operational gaps or disrupting public rail services.

4. [Content continues but is cut off in original]