The driver of a freight train involved in a fatal collision with a passenger bus and several other vehicles at a busy Bangkok level crossing has tested positive for drug use and was not licensed to operate a train, according to the Department of Rail Transport.
Pichet Kunadhamraks, director-general of the department, made the disclosure in an online post on Sunday night, citing information from police.
He said Sayomporn Suankul, the driver of Laem Chabang-Bang Sue freight train No. 2126, had undergone a urine test, which returned a positive result for drug use.
Mr Pichet also said the 46-year-old driver did not hold a train operator’s licence issued by the Department of Rail Transport.
Following the incident, Mr Pichet ordered alcohol and drug testing for all department personnel involved in train operations.
He also called for an investigation into railway supervisors who permitted Mr Sayomporn to operate the train before the deadly crash on Asok-Din Daeng Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on Saturday afternoon.
Mr Sayomporn has since been suspended and is facing serious disciplinary action, in addition to criminal charges.
Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom said the train driver had initially been charged with reckless driving causing death and serious injury.
The bus driver, whose vehicle had stopped on the level crossing, is facing the same charge.
Pol Lt Gen Sayam said the collision left eight people dead and over 30 others injured.
He said preliminary findings indicated the freight train did not slow down or stop, despite a level-crossing official waving a red flag to warn the driver about traffic congestion ahead.
