Senate Discusses Train-Bus Collision, Demands Drug Testing for Lawmakers; Proposes Removal if Failed

At 10:30 a.m. on May 19, 2025 at Parliament, the Senate met with Bunsong Noisophan, Second Vice President of the Senate, presiding. Two urgent motions were proposed regarding the train-bus collision at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing on May 16. Senator Wuttichat Kalyanamit introduced the first motion, while Rear Admiral Wutthipong Pongsuwarn presented the second motion focused on safety and compensation issues.

Wuttichat presented video clips of the collision and raised flag signals, noting that trains are legally limited to 30 kilometers per hour in such areas but the train continued despite stop signals, indicating poor coordination. He emphasized that while regulations exist from the Department of Land Transport, Railway Act, and traffic laws, enforcement is insufficient. He proposed that cooperation from all sectors—including police strictly enforcing laws and railroad improvements to barriers—is essential to prevent future incidents.

Wuttichat highlighted that the new Railway Transport Act, effective March 2025, contains comprehensive rules but questioned their enforcement. He noted that even after the collision, vehicles still park on railway tracks with no oversight. He called for Senate coordination with the government to ensure integrated cooperation and reduce such incidents.

Regarding train operator licenses, Wuttichat referenced the Railway Transport Act requirements and urged strict implementation. He noted that within 5 meters on either side of railway tracks, vehicles are prohibited, and proper barriers must be installed without gaps. He stressed the need for serious law enforcement across traffic, vehicle, and railway regulations.

Rear Admiral Wutthipong also presented a motion characterizing the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent safety measures and compensation remedies.