Train-Bus Collision Victims to Receive Up to 2.39 Million Baht in Compensation; Daily Alcohol Testing Ordered for All Public Transport Drivers
Victims of a May 16 train-bus collision at Bangkok's Makkasan crossing will receive up to 2.39 million baht in compensation, while authorities have ordered daily alcohol testing for all public transport drivers nationwide to prevent future
At 5 PM on May 18, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and Assistant Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikul held a press conference to clarify facts regarding the May 16 train collision with a public bus (BMTA) at the Makkasan railway crossing, which resulted in eight deaths and 30 injuries. The conference was attended by Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Chayatharm Phomsorn, Thai Railways (SRT) Acting Governor Anon Phothnim Daeng, Bangkok Mass Transit Organization (BMTA) Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwarepalkul, and Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Director Jiroj Suklaruttan.
Deputy PM Pipat expressed deep condolences to affected families and injury victims while announcing comprehensive compensation and safety enhancement measures to prevent future tragedies.
Compensation Measures: For fatalities, recipients receive initial compensation totaling 2,090,000 baht per person plus additional contributions: - BMTA: 1,750,000 baht total (1.5 million from insurance within 7 days, 50,000 baht from partner networks, and full funeral expenses) - SRT: 340,000 baht total (80,000 baht emergency aid and funeral expenses, plus 260,000 baht after heir verification) - Special contribution: 300,000 baht from the Human Rights Protection Department
For injured parties, BMTA covers medical expenses (80,000-1,000,000 baht with full payment of excess), provides 30,000 baht from partner networks and 20,000 baht from the accident fund. SRT provides 5,000 baht initial aid plus up to 50,000 baht additional compensation depending on injury severity (up to 100,000 baht for ICU cases). BMTA covers all property damage compensation and provides daily psychological support teams for injured persons until hospital discharge. The Prime Minister authorized additional funds from the Railway Transport Department and the Public Disaster Relief Fund as special assistance.
Minister Siripong confirmed the transport ministry will not shield wrongdoers, with prosecution divided into three areas: criminal charges against the train driver for gross negligence causing death; disciplinary action against both SRT and BMTA staff, including immediate suspension of negligent supervisors; and a new safety enhancement policy effective April 20, 2025, implementing aviation-standard safety measures, eliminating random drug testing in favor of 100% carpet-sweeping narcotics screening for all public transport drivers (SRT, BMTA, intercity buses), and requiring mandatory alcohol measurement before duty every day.
