Bangkok: The commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1 has disclosed that the train driver involved in the recent collision with a Route 206 air-conditioned bus at the Makkasan railway crossing tested positive for drugs. According to the driver, he used drugs 10 days prior to the incident, but police are skeptical of his claims due to inconsistencies in his statements.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Worasak Pisitbannakorn, the Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, has been leading the investigation into the tragic collision that caused a severe fire, resulting in the deaths of 8 individuals and injuring many others. The commander noted that there are conflicting accounts between the train driver and the railway crossing attendant, necessitating forensic evidence to establish the facts. The flag-waving operator maintains that proper signals were given, while the train driver contends otherwise. Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the accident site and are scrutinizing the actions of the railway crossing attendants to determine if all required procedures were followed correctly.

The urine test confirmed the presence of drugs in the train driver's system, and he admitted to habitual use of methamphetamine and marijuana, claiming his last use was 10 days before the crash. However, police remain unconvinced of his narrative. A background check uncovered a previous drug-related conviction for the driver in 2019, under the jurisdiction of Thung Song Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

In response to the incident, officers have been tasked with enforcing regulations in the no-stopping zones near railway tracks to enhance safety. Authorities are keen to avoid perceptions of reactive measures, ensuring proactive steps are taken. Additionally, concerns raised by the public regarding the site's physical characteristics affecting traffic flow will be addressed in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to align with traffic engineering standards.