PRIME Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today (May 17) after visiting victims of the deadly train-bus collision at Rama 9 – Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection yesterday in which eight people were killed and 35 others injured that route changes or tunnels could be considered to prevent recurrence of this sort of an accident at both this and Phetchaburi-Nana intersection, Naewna newspaper said today (May 17).
Speaking at Camillian Hospital Anutin said people should not rush to conclusions about this accident and wait for investigation results to be released while pointing out both these two intersections need to be examined.
He has also ordered the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to take action because just relying on the discretion of station masters or signallers is unacceptable, as errors can occur at any time and such risks arising from human error are not acceptable and alternative routes must be found.
Regarding compensation for the injured and deceased, he stated that he has given instructions and discussed the matter with the executives of both SRT and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), and as these services are not free but charge fares, therefore, both agencies must provide the highest possible care and compensation. Insurance claims will be supplementary.
Questioned about the mental state of the injured, Anutin said no one is in good spirits because it was a sudden and violent accident which led all involved becoming emotionally distressed. The bus and train drivers, but particularly the bus driver and the conductor, are very distressed and expressed remorse.
It was later reported that both the train and bus drivers wept throughout their conversation with the Prime Minister about the accident.
Meanwhile Makkasan police station has charged both the railway crossing barrier operator and the train driver with negligence causing death and serious injury. Further charges may be considered once additional evidence and detailed questioning are completed.
As the bus driver is still recovering from burns he will be further questioned once his condition improves. No charges have been filed against him as yet.
However, despite this shocking accident having occurred only yesterday, it seems the tragedy has not adequately raised awareness of road safety with some drivers continuing to drive recklessly.
A Facebook user named Nuntawut Iyang Thaweechot posted a video showing a bus parked motionless, straddling the train track at the same spot where the accident occurred yesterday.
“11:53 Bus number 514 parked on the track again. This is the second one today, and it’s the same route!!!”
“11:57 This bus finally moved off the track. The next train arrives at 12:32.”
After this post went viral netizens heavily criticised the bus driver’s reckless driving, citing disregard for traffic laws and endangering lives.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Camillian Hospital today, May 17, 2026. Photos – Naewna
Insert – Screengrab image showing a bus straddling the same railway track today, May 17, 2026, with a screenshot of some comments, top left, and Thai headline, below. Photo – Naewna
Watch video of bus straddling the same train track today shared on Facebook by Nuntawut Iyang Thaweechot:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1652031272789165
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