Thai Level Crossing Accident Exposes Systemic Flaws; Expert Says Normalization of Risk Led to Tragedy
A train and bus collision in Bangkok, Thailand, continues to fuel discussions, with calls to review level crossing safety and systemic issues. Structural expert Amorn Pimanmas told CNA the incident was not due to a single driver's error but a combination of factors including traffic congestion, an outdated safety system, and people being "habituated to risk." The accident resulted in 8 deaths and 32 injuries, and the train driver tested positive for drugs. In response, experts and opposition MPs are urging structural reforms, including a full review of over 2,600 level crossings nationwide, railway grade separation, and the implementation of an Automatic Train Protection system.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 21:19
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 21:32 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 22:00 (28 min after Collected)
The train and bus collision in Bangkok, Thailand, continues to spark debate, with various sectors calling for a review of level crossing safety and systemic problems. Structural expert Amorn Pimanmas pointed out to CNA that this incident was not caused by a single driver's negligence but by multiple factors, including traffic congestion, an old safety system, and people being "habituated to risk."
On the 16th, a train and bus collision in the Thai capital of Bangkok resulted in 8 deaths and 32 injuries, an event that continues to raise public questions about the safety of railway level crossings. Amorn Pimanmas, President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, stated in an interview with CNA today that the accident was caused by a combination of factors, including traffic flow exceeding the crossing's design capacity, high urban density, an outdated railway safety system, chaotic traffic order, and human error.
Amorn explained that the level crossing where the accident occurred handles extremely high daily traffic volumes, far exceeding its designed capacity. Compounded by Bangkok's high urban density and severe traffic congestion, this makes the level crossing a high-risk area.
He added, "Thailand's railway safety system still relies heavily on human judgment and manual signal operation, yet lacks a strict monitoring mechanism for the health, mental state, and work discipline of train drivers and related personnel."
● Cars Still Stopping on Tracks at Accident Scene; Police Step Up Enforcement
Speaking on the common violations at Bangkok's level crossings, Amorn told CNA that being "habituated to risk" has become a serious problem. He noted that many drivers often stop on the tracks or cross through barriers when stuck in traffic. "Because no accidents have occurred for a long time, many people have come to see dangerous behavior as routine."
A CNA reporter observed at the accident scene today that some vehicles were still stopping on the tracks at the red light, and authorities have dispatched additional police and inspectors to direct traffic.
Inspector Benjamin Wangngen stated that some vehicles are still stopping on the tracks, obstructing train passage. He said, "We will continue to strengthen patrols, crack down on traffic violations, and require buses to stop before the designated stop line as required by regulations."
Motorcycle taxi driver Ruthai admitted that she sometimes stops on the level crossing due to traffic, saying, "It's faster, and I can change lanes or routes."
Another rider, Jorn Kajornsak, also said that he used to stop on the tracks to wait for the red light for convenience, but "it felt very dangerous, especially during the rainy season."
● Public Violations Become the Norm; Expert Warns of Risks in Over-reliance on Manual Labor
Driver Thammada Daratha, who passed the accident crossing in the evening, said he is particularly careful when crossing because he has heard of similar incidents. He revealed that a friend of his died in a train accident. "The law prohibits stopping on a level crossing, but many people don't obey it," he said.
Structural expert Amorn told CNA that the public often overlooks that the railway system is still primarily manually operated, with train passage relying on personnel judgment and signal control. However, whether due to intentional acts like drinking or drug use, or factors like stress, fatigue, or lack of preparation, personnel can make judgment errors.
He emphasized, "People think, 'I drive like this every day and nothing has ever happened,' but this is actually a very dangerous mentality."
Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), stated on the 17th that a police report showed the train driver in the accident, Sayomporn Suankul, had a positive urine test result, indicating drug use.
● Society Calls for Review; Expert Urges "Railway Grade Separation"
In response to the accident, there is a growing call for a review within Thai society. Opposition MP Parit Wacharasindhu stated yesterday that this level crossing tragedy exposes deeper systemic flaws and the urgent need for structural reform.
Parit stated in an online post, hoping for deeper reflection: "If we do not want the misconduct of a few to cause losses for others, one thing we can work on together is to design a well-thought-out system."
The "misconduct" he referred to is the violations and dereliction of duty by the train and bus drivers. Both have been charged by the police with reckless driving causing death.
Regarding follow-up improvement measures, Amorn suggested the government conduct a comprehensive review of the safety standards of over 2,600 railway level crossings nationwide, especially those with extremely high traffic in urban areas.
He also urged the government to evaluate railway grade separation, such as building underpasses or overpasses, gradually eliminating level crossings, and introducing an Automatic Train Protection system, which would allow the system to automatically control speed and braking rather than relying entirely on manual operation.
For short-term measures, Amorn said that traffic enforcement should be strengthened to prevent vehicles from stopping on the tracks, while also requiring police and railway authorities to jointly manage traffic. The State Railway of Thailand should also more strictly monitor the physical and mental condition of train drivers and re-examine the railway signaling system to improve integration efficiency between road and rail signal systems.
On the 16th, a train and bus collision in the Thai capital of Bangkok resulted in 8 deaths and 32 injuries, an event that continues to raise public questions about the safety of railway level crossings. Amorn Pimanmas, President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, stated in an interview with CNA today that the accident was caused by a combination of factors, including traffic flow exceeding the crossing's design capacity, high urban density, an outdated railway safety system, chaotic traffic order, and human error.
Amorn explained that the level crossing where the accident occurred handles extremely high daily traffic volumes, far exceeding its designed capacity. Compounded by Bangkok's high urban density and severe traffic congestion, this makes the level crossing a high-risk area.
He added, "Thailand's railway safety system still relies heavily on human judgment and manual signal operation, yet lacks a strict monitoring mechanism for the health, mental state, and work discipline of train drivers and related personnel."
● Cars Still Stopping on Tracks at Accident Scene; Police Step Up Enforcement
Speaking on the common violations at Bangkok's level crossings, Amorn told CNA that being "habituated to risk" has become a serious problem. He noted that many drivers often stop on the tracks or cross through barriers when stuck in traffic. "Because no accidents have occurred for a long time, many people have come to see dangerous behavior as routine."
A CNA reporter observed at the accident scene today that some vehicles were still stopping on the tracks at the red light, and authorities have dispatched additional police and inspectors to direct traffic.
Inspector Benjamin Wangngen stated that some vehicles are still stopping on the tracks, obstructing train passage. He said, "We will continue to strengthen patrols, crack down on traffic violations, and require buses to stop before the designated stop line as required by regulations."
Motorcycle taxi driver Ruthai admitted that she sometimes stops on the level crossing due to traffic, saying, "It's faster, and I can change lanes or routes."
Another rider, Jorn Kajornsak, also said that he used to stop on the tracks to wait for the red light for convenience, but "it felt very dangerous, especially during the rainy season."
● Public Violations Become the Norm; Expert Warns of Risks in Over-reliance on Manual Labor
Driver Thammada Daratha, who passed the accident crossing in the evening, said he is particularly careful when crossing because he has heard of similar incidents. He revealed that a friend of his died in a train accident. "The law prohibits stopping on a level crossing, but many people don't obey it," he said.
Structural expert Amorn told CNA that the public often overlooks that the railway system is still primarily manually operated, with train passage relying on personnel judgment and signal control. However, whether due to intentional acts like drinking or drug use, or factors like stress, fatigue, or lack of preparation, personnel can make judgment errors.
He emphasized, "People think, 'I drive like this every day and nothing has ever happened,' but this is actually a very dangerous mentality."
Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), stated on the 17th that a police report showed the train driver in the accident, Sayomporn Suankul, had a positive urine test result, indicating drug use.
● Society Calls for Review; Expert Urges "Railway Grade Separation"
In response to the accident, there is a growing call for a review within Thai society. Opposition MP Parit Wacharasindhu stated yesterday that this level crossing tragedy exposes deeper systemic flaws and the urgent need for structural reform.
Parit stated in an online post, hoping for deeper reflection: "If we do not want the misconduct of a few to cause losses for others, one thing we can work on together is to design a well-thought-out system."
The "misconduct" he referred to is the violations and dereliction of duty by the train and bus drivers. Both have been charged by the police with reckless driving causing death.
Regarding follow-up improvement measures, Amorn suggested the government conduct a comprehensive review of the safety standards of over 2,600 railway level crossings nationwide, especially those with extremely high traffic in urban areas.
He also urged the government to evaluate railway grade separation, such as building underpasses or overpasses, gradually eliminating level crossings, and introducing an Automatic Train Protection system, which would allow the system to automatically control speed and braking rather than relying entirely on manual operation.
For short-term measures, Amorn said that traffic enforcement should be strengthened to prevent vehicles from stopping on the tracks, while also requiring police and railway authorities to jointly manage traffic. The State Railway of Thailand should also more strictly monitor the physical and mental condition of train drivers and re-examine the railway signaling system to improve integration efficiency between road and rail signal systems.