Thailand’s Ministry of Transport (MoT) has announced plans to install an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system at the Makkasan level crossing in Bangkok within six months in Thailand. The system will automatically stop approaching trains if crossing barriers are not fully lowered and may also be integrated with nearby road traffic signals to ensure the crossing is clear before train movements.
The Makkasan crossing, located on Asok-Din Daeng Road, has been identified as one of Bangkok’s most dangerous rail-road intersections. The ATP installation forms part of a package of urgent safety measures aimed at preventing similar incidents. Authorities intend to extend the system to all level crossings in Bangkok within the next two years.
Additional short-term measures include improved communication between State Railway of Thailand (SRT) crossing supervisors and Bangkok traffic police, stricter enforcement against motorists bypassing crossing barriers, enhanced operational procedures for passenger bus drivers, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing for train drivers.
As part of a longer-term strategy, the Transport Ministry plans to eliminate level crossings by elevating railway tracks along the Red Line corridor and through future double-track railway projects nationwide. The initiative is expected to improve rail safety, reduce road-rail conflicts, and modernise Thailand’s railway infrastructure.
