Thai Railway Authority Reveals Train Driver Tested Positive for Methamphetamine and Cannabis; Further Mechanic Questioning Underway as Black Box Results Released
Train driver tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis following a May 18 collision with a bus near Bangkok, prompting Thai Railway Authority to mandate drug screening for all drivers.
At 9:00 AM on May 18, 2025, Acting State Railway of Thailand President Anant Pothnim Dang revealed details about drug test results for the train driver involved in a collision with an intercity passenger bus. He stated the railway authority learned of the findings the previous evening. Normally, the railway conducts alcohol and preliminary health checks before duty shifts and records all results, though drug screening was not performed regularly. Following the incident, the Department of Rail Transport ordered the railway to accelerate mandatory drug screening measures for all train drivers.
Pothnim explained that previously, the railway only conducted random drug tests during annual health examinations and for new employees. The driver involved had been working since 2566 (2023), approximately three years, and had passed an alcohol test on May 15, 2025, with no alcohol detected in his system.
Regarding operating licenses, Pothnim clarified that while the State Railway of Thailand previously issued licenses directly, new regulations effective March 27, 2025, now require drivers to apply through the Department of Rail Transport. The railway has submitted all employee names for licensing approval and digital licenses are being processed through the department's system.
Data from the train's speed recording system, or "black box," shows the train traveled approximately 2,800 meters from Khlong Toei Station at an average speed of about 34 kilometers per hour before applying emergency brakes 100 meters before impact.
Pothnim explained that normal braking distance for trains, including decision-making and regular braking time, is approximately 1,000 meters at maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour, but decreases with lower speeds depending on train weight.
When asked whether the driver could have stopped if he saw hand signals from the level crossing attendant nearby, Pothnim revealed that drivers typically spot signals 300-500 meters away, while emergency braking distance is 500-600 meters at maximum speed. However, this train was traveling at only 34 kilometers per hour, requiring consideration of driving conditions and train weight.
Pothnim noted that despite the lower speed, protocol requires drivers to reduce speed in advance if railway barriers are not fully closed or signal lights are not functioning, while watching for hand signals from the crossing attendant to ensure safe stopping if needed.
He explained that train drivers must primarily follow trackside signals. If barriers are properly functioning, signal lights authorize the train to pass; if barriers are not fully closed on both sides, the signal lights do not display, and drivers must follow hand signals from the crossing attendant attendant, similar to police traffic signals when traffic lights malfunction.
