Bangkok: The Senate's Transportation Committee is preparing to invite relevant agencies to discuss the recent train-bus collision incident on Asoke-Din Daeng Road, which occurred on May 20th. Senator Wuttichat Kalyanamit, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, highlighted the importance of collaboration and adherence to safety regulations during an interview regarding the committee's upcoming meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Wuttichat emphasized that addressing the issue requires cooperation from multiple parties. The committee has scheduled a meeting for May 20th at 1:00 PM, where relevant agencies will be invited to provide insights into the incident. He stressed the need for stricter law enforcement by the police and enhanced safety measures by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Additionally, he urged all vehicle operators, not just bus drivers, to prioritize safety and compliance with traffic laws.
Mr. Wuttichat explained that adherence to rules could prevent such incidents, eliminating the need for tunnels or alternative routes. He acknowledged the potential for increased traffic congestion if vehicle numbers continue to rise. Stricter enforcement could result in delays of 5-10 minutes, or even 20 minutes if trains need to pass each other. The significant number of vehicles on public roads is a growing concern that will require future consideration.
Parliament is also actively addressing the issue, with Mr. Koravee Prisnanantakul, MP for Ang Thong Province and Chairman of the House of Representatives Coordination Committee (Government Whip), announcing an urgent motion to discuss preventative measures. The House meeting on May 20th will include draft legislation discussions, Cabinet confirmations, and an oral motion for the House to share its views on security measures with the Cabinet.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives meeting on May 21st will focus on various questions and reports from agencies, as outlined in the agenda. Discussions are ongoing regarding draft constitutional amendments and the timeframe for consideration. The Bhumjaithai Party plans to hold a meeting today, May 19th, to discuss the draft constitution's content and set a timeline for future meetings.