KUI BURI, Thailand – A major train derailment occurred early this morning, August 9th, 2025, in Kui Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, when a special express train traveling from Padang Besar to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal derailed, injuring numerous passengers, including children and monks. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery to recover the derailed train cars as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
The incident involved Special Express Train No. 38/46, operating on the southern railway line from Sungai Kolok and Padang Besar to Bangkok. According to reports, the derailment occurred around 5:15 AM near Kui Buri Railway Station, with three passenger cars—identified as coaches BNT.P.1050, BNT.P.1119, and BNT.P.1113—derailing at a curved section of the double-track railway. The affected coaches included air-conditioned sleeper cars, and the derailment caused disruption and panic among passengers.
Preliminary reports indicate that multiple passengers sustained injuries, with some sources noting that children and monks were among those affected. Emergency response teams, including local rescue units and railway officials, quickly mobilized to the scene to provide medical assistance and evacuate passengers. Injured individuals were promptly transported to Kui Buri Hospital for treatment, while uninjured passengers from the derailed coaches were transferred to buses to continue their journey to Bangkok. The exact number of injuries remains unconfirmed as rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities still working to access two of the derailed coaches to ensure no passengers remain trapped.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) issued a statement confirming the incident and noted that while the southern railway line remains operational, trains are experiencing delays due to the derailment. The SRT has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and is providing support to affected passengers. A hotline (1690) has been made available for inquiries. The derailed coaches have been separated from the rest of the train, and the unaffected cars have continued their journey to Bangkok.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to the site to recover the derailed train cars, a process that is expected to take several hours. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, and railway officials have stated that a detailed examination by experts is required to determine the factors involved. Early speculation points to the possibility of track-related issues at a curved section, but no official cause has been confirmed.
The derailment has disrupted travel plans for many passengers, particularly as the southern railway line serves as a vital link for both domestic and international travelers connecting Thailand’s southern provinces and Malaysia. Authorities are working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, but delays are expected to continue throughout the day.
The SRT has assured the public that safety remains a priority and is cooperating fully with investigators to prevent future incidents. Updates on the recovery efforts and the condition of the injured passengers are expected as the situation develops.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
