Democrat Party Deputy Spokesman Points to Safety System Failures in Train-Bus Collision, Proposes Three Urgent Solutions
A Democrat Party deputy spokesman says the Makkasan train-bus collision resulted from multiple safety system failures, not individual negligence, and proposes three urgent solutions including traffic-signal interlocking, completing a missin
On May 17, 2025, Jirawat Changwat, Deputy Spokesman of the Democrat Party, addressed the freight train-bus collision at the Makkasan railway crossing. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished speedy recovery for all injured. He cautioned against viewing the incident as merely individual negligence, explaining that large-scale transportation disasters typically stem from multiple overlapping safety system failures—what international experts call the 'Swiss Cheese Model.'
According to proper safety principles, transportation systems require five protective layers: (1) traffic regulations prohibiting all vehicles from stopping on tracks—already marked with yellow diagonal lines here; (2) functioning barriers and warning signals, which the incident video clearly shows were audible; (3) railway signal systems that should prevent train passage if barriers aren't down or tracks aren't clear; (4) traffic control at congested bottleneck areas like Makkasan, requiring cameras or standby personnel; and (5) structural solutions permanently separating rail from road through elevated highways or underpasses.
Changwat noted that Bangkok's current system is deteriorating with safety gaps left unaddressed, causing urban dwellers to become desensitized to risk—stalled vehicles on tracks, broken barriers, and freight trains running through the city center. The structural solution exists: the Missing Link Red Line BTS extension from Huamark through Makkasan to Phayathai and Bangsue would eliminate these grade-level crossings. However, the project stalls because it's entangled with the three-airport high-speed rail megaproject, holding public safety hostage to massive infrastructure delays. Meanwhile, the Bangkok freight rail ring project segments like Suphan Buri–Banchachi remain incomplete, forcing cargo trains to still run through the city.
Changwat stated the Makkasan incident requires examining why a 20-year-old problem remains unsolved rather than simply blaming individuals. He proposed three immediate solutions: (1) closing short-term safety gaps by interlocking traffic signals with railway systems to clear vehicles before trains arrive; (2) expediting the Missing Link Red Line with safety work prioritized separately from the three-airport rail project; and (3) completing the Bangkok freight rail ring to divert cargo trains outside the city.
Without decisive structural solutions, he warned, there will be more fatalities. Until systemic improvements occur, public safety awareness must begin with individuals protecting themselves.