BANGKOK — A deadly train crash in Thailand’s northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province has left at least 32 people dead and dozens more injured, drawing international attention after authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims.
One German and one South Korean national were killed in the accident, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, as officials released further details about the scale of the disaster and the circumstances that led to the derailment of a passenger train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand extends its deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima on 14 Jan 2026, including a Korean and German national,” the ministry said in a statement published on X.
The crash occurred early Wednesday morning when a construction crane collapsed onto the railway track in Nakhon Ratchasima province, directly in the path of the oncoming passenger train. The impact caused several carriages to derail, triggering a large-scale emergency response and raising fresh concerns over rail safety and infrastructure oversight in Thailand.
According to the provincial rescue headquarters, the final death toll stood at 32 people. At least 66 others sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani line is a key domestic rail corridor, frequently used by local commuters as well as tourists and expatriates. Thailand’s transport infrastructure has come under closer scrutiny in recent years as the country strengthens its regional profile, including after Thailand received an invitation to become a BRICS partner.
The Russian Embassy in Bangkok confirmed that no Russian citizens were injured in the crash. “No Russians were injured in the crash,” the embassy told RIA Novosti.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Passengers who were able to escape the derailed carriages reportedly assisted others trapped inside before rescue teams arrived, echoing concerns raised after a previous collision between two goods trains that exposed systemic rail safety lapses.
Preliminary assessments suggest the crane was part of an ongoing infrastructure project near the railway line. Officials said the crane fell onto the tracks shortly before the train passed through the area, leaving little opportunity for the train operator to stop. The Associated Press reported on the circumstances derailing a passenger train that was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.
Thai authorities have launched a formal investigation into the collapse. The inquiry comes amid broader regional pressures, as Thailand continues to navigate security and political tensions, including those highlighted during the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire crisis.
Medical facilities in Nakhon Ratchasima province remain on alert as injured passengers continue to receive treatment. International media reported that the crash left dozens more injured, straining local hospitals.
South Korean media confirmed that one South Korean national were killed in the crash.
The Thai government pledged to provide all necessary assistance to the bereaved families, including compensation and counseling services.
Regional media described the derailment as one of the deadliest rail accidents in Thailand in recent years, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of construction safety standards.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates. For now, the focus remains on recovery and accountability, as Thailand mourns the victims and seeks answers.
