Bangkok: Professor Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, leader of the Thai Kao Mai Party and former president of the Council of Engineers, has raised pressing questions to the government in light of a recent train-bus collision at the Makkasan railway crossing in Ratchathewi District, Bangkok. The incident, described as a “train-bus tragedy in the heart of Bangkok,” has prompted Dr. Suchatvee to seek clarity on four critical issues that he believes the government must urgently address to understand the causes of the incident.
According to Thai News Agency, the first question Dr. Suchatvee poses concerns the functionality of the train signaling system. He questions whether the system was operating correctly, as it should prevent a train from passing if there is a vehicle on the tracks. Dr. Suchatvee emphasizes that a typical railway crossing system involves multiple layers of safety, including barriers, traffic lights, and sensors. If these components were functioning properly, the train driver should have received a stop signal or no permission to proceed, preventing the collision.
Dr. Suchatvee’s second query addresses the actions of the train driver. He calls for an investigation into whether the driver followed safety regulations and if a whistle was sounded as a warning before the accident. He suggests examining the “black box” or “train data recorder” for insights into the driver’s actions, such as speed, braking, and other vital information.
The third question revolves around the bus driver’s decision to stop on the tracks. Dr. Suchatvee asks whether the driver received any warning signals or if there was negligence involved. He notes that the answer to this question is linked to the functioning of the signaling system and the train driver’s actions.
Finally, Dr. Suchatvee stresses the need for a “responsible party” to investigate such incidents transparently and credibly. He references a previous tragedy involving a high-speed train construction crane in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which remains unresolved. Dr. Suchatvee advocates for a “Public Safety Law” to establish a central agency capable of investigating public disasters and uncovering the truth. He expresses condolences to the families affected by the incident and hopes his expertise can contribute to a safer society.