Siripong Acknowledges Train Driver Negligence, Orders Comprehensive Drug Testing for All Transport Workers

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsukulkiattiwong acknowledged driver negligence in the incident and ordered mandatory comprehensive drug screening for all transport system employees, rejecting accusations of selective enforcement. During a parliamentary session on May 21, 2026, he responded to questions from Samakhom Daengchote, a Phumi Thai Party MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan, regarding the freight train collision with a bus at the Asok-Dinhaeng intersection that killed eight people.

Samakhom questioned why the train could not stop in time, what enforcement mechanisms would ensure drug testing compliance, how the proposed ban on trains entering inner Bangkok would be implemented, and what compensation measures would be provided to victims.

Siripong explained that the train was traveling at 34 kilometers per hour, below the standard 40 km/h limit, and had received a yellow warning signal to slow down at Makkasan Station before the collision, where impact speed was 18 km/h. The investigation revealed the driver was negligent and tested positive for multiple drugs. Thai State Railway (SRT) has dismissed the driver and established a fact-finding committee, describing the situation as unacceptable.

The deputy minister stated that the Transport Ministry has mandated strict drug testing of all public transportation employees through comprehensive screening rather than random checks. Initial tests have detected more drivers using narcotics, requiring confirmation through official hospital testing. If confirmed, the ministry will take action in all cases without leniency.

Regarding why the freight train operated during daytime hours instead of the required nighttime window (9 PM to 5 AM), Siripong clarified that the train's scheduled 11 PM departure on May 15 was delayed by 900 minutes (15 hours), resulting in daytime operation when the collision occurred.

For the proposal to ban trains from inner Bangkok, Siripong said the ministry will consider public feedback on operational burdens and delays before implementing solutions. Short-term measures are already in place, while medium-term plans (1-2 years) involve integrating signal systems between SRT, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and traffic police using technology. Long-term solutions could include an ideal rail system with elevated tracks exclusively for trains and ground-level roads for vehicles only.

Regarding compensation, both the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and SRT are actively visiting injured persons, offering apologies, and providing compensation ranging from 130,000 to 1 million baht depending on injury severity. Victims' families receive 2.39 million baht in compensation per person.