Train Driver and Crossing Guard Face Detention Hearing; Police Oppose Bail as Suspects Seek Property Bond for Temporary Release
A train operator and crossing guard face detention after a freight train struck a public bus near Makkasan Airport Link on May 16, killing and injuring multiple people; police oppose bail, citing incomplete investigations and flight risk.
On May 18, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchdamri Road, investigators from Makkasan Police Station brought train operator Siyamphon and state railway employee Uten, assigned as a crossing guard near the railway tracks, before the court requesting detention on charges of negligence resulting in another person's death, serious injury to another person, and bodily harm to another person.
The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, at 3:36 p.m. when police received a report of a train collision with a public bus causing deaths and injuries near Makkasan Airport Link railway station. A freight train traveling from Laem Chabang to Bangkok's Bang Sue district, operated by Siyamphon, struck Route 206 public bus driven by Laphit, which was traveling along Asok-Din Daeng Road from the Rama 9 intersection. When the bus was stopped across the railway tracks, Siyamphon's train approached from the left side of the bus and struck its left side, causing the bus to swerve and collide with another parked vehicle, resulting in property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Investigation found that Uten, the crossing guard stationed at the location, failed to raise the barrier to signal the train to stop, preventing Siyamphon from seeing the stop signal and leading to the collision with the parked bus.
Investigators determined the accident resulted from negligence by Siyamphon, Laphit, and Uten, charging both under Criminal Code Articles 59, 291, 300, and 390 for negligence causing death, serious injury, and bodily harm. Both suspects denied the charges during questioning.
Investigators requested detention during May 18-29, 2025, as investigations are incomplete, requiring statements from 30 witnesses and fingerprint analysis results. The investigation team, victims, and key witnesses opposed temporary release due to the serious nature of the charges and flight risks. The court approved detention, with Siyamphon and Uten filing property bond requests for temporary release currently under court consideration.
