Think Before You Speak! Ploychaleaw Fires Back at Priset Over Shallow Government Criticism on Train Ban

On May 20, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploychaleaw Laksameesuang responded to statements made by Priset Watcharasindu, a People's Party list MP, who had criticized the government's approach to the recent train-bus collision. Priset had argued that preventing trains from entering the city center was shallow thinking that lacked foresight and unfairly burdened citizens. Ploychaleaw countered that Priset's understanding was flawed and urged him to reconsider before speaking publicly. She emphasized that the government's solution aims for sustainable problem-solving, not shifting burdens to the public. The government has ordered a systematic study of railway management for both freight and passenger trains, targeting the complete elimination of grade-level railroad crossings in Bangkok. The approach involves two main strategies: separating freight and passenger rail operations with scheduled management, and improving traffic safety at crossings. For freight trains, the State Railway of Thailand has been tasked to study using stations outside Bangkok—such as Lat Krabang, Ban Pachi, and Nakhon Pathom—as cargo transfer points to reduce 10 daily train runs into the city. Necessary freight trains entering the city will operate only at night with coordinated barrier gates and traffic signals. Long-term plans include developing Bangkok's outer ring road to allow cargo trains without Bangkok destinations to bypass the city, and establishing intermodal transfer centers. For passenger trains, the target is zero grade-level crossings in Bangkok. Immediate safety measures include strict barrier enforcement and traffic coordination. Within three months, the State Railway will study upgrading crossing management with technology and AI-controlled barriers alongside traffic signals, plus identifying remote stopping points at suburban stations like Talat Chan and Lat Krabang. The Transport Ministry will ensure fares do not increase, with government subsidies for vulnerable and low-income groups through integrated ticketing. Long-term solutions include accelerating the elevated rail project for the missing link (Phayathai-Yommarat-Bangkok Central) to permanently eliminate inner Bangkok grade-level crossings. Ploychaleaw noted the government agrees with opposition proposals for strict traffic law enforcement and immediate action, using CCTV cameras at crossing points.