Transport Committee Launches Intensive Investigation into Train-Bus Collision, Demands Complete Facts

At 9:25 a.m. on May 20, 2025, at Parliament, Suppanat Minchaiyanan, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party and chairman of the House Transport Committee, announced before the meeting that the committee would discuss the train-bus collision at the Asoke-Din Daeng intersection. He invited all relevant agencies including the directors-general of Rail Transport and Land Transport departments, the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Road Safety Fund Committee, the Insurance Commission, the Police Bureau, Makkasan police station commander, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, and Bangkok's Traffic and Transport Office.

Suppanat stated that the meeting must establish all facts completely. Recent reports indicate that the train operator was on board and positioned at the front of the train, so the committee needs to verify this. He also questioned whether the railway signal system meets adequate safety standards and whether there are systems beyond red flags to warn drivers in advance of obstacles ahead. He emphasized the need to first address these specific issues before expanding to broader traffic and accident problems in the area.

Suppanat noted that conflicting information persists, particularly regarding braking distance estimates ranging from 200 meters to 2 kilometers. He expressed regret that the State Railway Labor Union was not invited to this meeting but indicated they could be summoned later if additional facts emerge. He stated that the union's statement would be presented for review and that the Central Land Transport Department director, attending today's meeting, should provide complete clarification as they are already investigating the matter. If questions remain or new issues arise, another meeting can be scheduled.