Transport Ministry Orders Installation of Automatic Barriers at All Railway Crossings to Prevent Accidents

At 10:00 a.m. on May 26 at Government House, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiartai discussed compensation for victims of the train-bus collision at the Makkasan intersection. Of eight fatalities, compensation has been completed for six families, with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMA) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) providing 2.09 million baht per family initially, with an additional 300,000 baht pending from a protection fund. The ministry is also caring for injured victims still hospitalized.

Regarding legal proceedings, the Railway Department has filed complaints against the negligent train driver and all vehicle owners parked at the railway crossing, with charges of negligence and traffic violations. When asked whether multiple parties, particularly parliament, were closely monitoring the incident and whether lessons would be learned, Deputy Minister Siripong stated that no lesson-learning process was necessary, as the Transport Ministry had never planned to do so. He noted that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had remarked that accidents were inevitable—vehicles pass through these crossings daily, and everyone knows an accident will eventually happen.

Siripong acknowledged that many locations nationwide have unauthorized shortcuts across railway lines where safety equipment is inadequate. He stated the Transport Ministry has discussed solutions, with the Railway Institute developing plans and allocating budgets to improve safety at various crossings, starting with Bangkok and surrounding areas before expanding nationwide. Improvements would include traffic lights and warning sirens at locations currently lacking them.

Within 1-2 years, automatic barriers and technology will likely be necessary, as the current signal system is automated while barrier management relies on human operators. The ministry aims to implement full automation to reduce human error. When asked about installing full-length steel barriers like in foreign countries to prevent motorcycles from crossing, Siripong acknowledged this could be effective but required careful consideration of implementation details, potentially using a combination of approaches.

Regarding SRT's observation that management staff may be insufficient and requesting additional personnel, Siripong responded that technology could replace staff. He noted the ministry had previously reduced personnel without implementing technological alternatives. If hiring additional staff, it should involve a new model rather than long-term obligations, possibly through project-based employment.