Bangkok: The Department of Rail Transport is probing an incident involving a female train driver who screamed while on duty. The driver has been temporarily suspended as the investigation unfolds, and her operating license is under review.

According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, disclosed that on April 7, 2026, at around 9:00 PM, information surfaced from social media (TikTok user) about a woman screaming from the driver's cabin on the Red Line suburban train between Rangsit and Don Mueang stations. This prompted the Department to contact SRT Electrified Rail Co., Ltd. (SRTET), the train's operator, to delve into the incident. The driver was subsequently suspended pending investigation.

The initial findings indicate the driver was on duty on April 7, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The incident occurred during the last run of the day, leaving Rangsit Station at 2:30 PM. The driver reportedly screamed intermittently until the train reached Don Mueang Station, possibly due to personal issues compounded by job-related stress. Despite this, she completed her duty to Bangkok Central Station.

The investigation also revealed that SRT train drivers, including the one involved, did not undergo mental health assessments before employment, though pre-driving readiness checks were performed. The Rail Transport Act mandates health, knowledge, and ability assessments for staff, and the Department has the authority to require examinations if necessary.

Mr. Pichet emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of personnel, passengers, and others in the rail system. He has instructed officials to review the driver's license issuance and has requested the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to investigate and highlight the necessity of regular checks on train drivers' physical and mental readiness. The results are to be reported back to the Department of Rail Transport.