SRT to sue contractor after 100m baht Korat train damage

Chattarin SiradakulPublished: January 15, 2026, 10:22 AM

263 1 minute read

SRT to sue contractor after 100m baht Korat train damage | Thaiger

Key insights from the news

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to sue Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited after a crane collapse caused over 100 million baht in damages to a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The incident occurred on January 14 when a segment-lifting device from a construction crane fell onto Diesel Express Train No. 21, resulting in multiple casualties and severe damage to two railcars.
SRT's Acting Governor confirmed that the crane remained anchored, but a component detached during installation, impacting the train as it passed.
SRT has rerouted 14 train services and estimates normal operations may resume within seven days, while focusing on safety and passenger support during repairs.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to sue the contractor responsible for a crane collapse that struck a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday, January 14, causing more than 100 million baht in damages and resulting in multiple casualties.

The incident occurred at approximately 9.30am yesterday in Sikhio district and involved a high-speed rail construction site for the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route.

According to provincial governor Anuphong Suksomnit, who addressed the media alongside relevant agencies at 4.30pm the same day, the accident happened when a segment-lifting device from the construction crane fell directly onto Diesel Express Train No. 21, which runs between Krungthep Aphiwat and Ubon Ratchathani.

Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdaeng confirmed that two diesel railcars, valued at 50 million baht each, were severely damaged, along with part of the elevated rail structure. Initial estimates place the total damage at over 100 million baht.

Anan stated that the crane itself remained anchored, but a component being moved during installation detached and fell just as the train was passing.

SRT is now preparing legal action against the contractor, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, who was overseeing this section of the construction. The agency said the priority is to recover the cost of the damage and seek accountability for the injuries and fatalities caused.

Further lawsuits may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation, reported Khaosod.

While repairs are underway, SRT has rerouted 14 northeastern train services operating between Ubon Ratchathani and Bangkok via Kaeng Khoi and Bua Yai junctions. The agency estimates that normal service may resume within seven days, with authorities focusing on safety and passenger support in the interim.

In similar news, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) issued an official statement expressing condolences and accepting responsibility following a crane collapse that struck a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Thaiger QUIZ

State Railway of Thailand Incident Quiz

Answer the quiz. Tap Next to go to the next question.

1/10

1. What event did the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plan to take legal action for?

A A crane collapse B A train derailment C A passenger strike D A safety violation
2. Where did the crane collapse incident occur?

A Bangkok B Nakhon Ratchasima C Chiang Mai D Phuket
3. What was the estimated total damage caused by the crane collapse?

A 50 million baht B 75 million baht C 100 million baht D 150 million baht
4. Which train was affected by the crane collapse?

A Diesel Express Train No. 21 B High-Speed Train No. 5 C Local Train No. 15 D Cargo Train No. 2
5. What is the name of the contractor overseeing the construction site?

A Thai Railways Company B Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited C Bangkok Metro D SRT Engineering Corp.
6. What did the SRT identify as their priority following the incident?

A Expanding services B Recovering the cost of damage C Increasing train frequency D Improving staff training
7. How many train services were rerouted due to the incident?

A 10 B 12 C 14 D 16
8. How long is it estimated before normal service may resume?

A 3 days B 5 days C 7 days D 10 days
9. What type of device fell from the crane during the incident?

A A lifting device B A security camera C A signal light D A maintenance tool
10. What is the focus of SRT while repairs are underway?

A Cost reduction B Safety and passenger support C Service expansion D Increased advertising