World

Thai PM demands accountability for crane collapse

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on January 14 called for those responsible for the tragic crane collapse in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima province, to be held accountable.

At the accident scene (Photo: nationthailand.com)
At the accident scene (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on January 14 called for those responsible for the tragic crane collapse in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima province, to be held accountable.

The incident, which involved a construction crane from the high-speed rail project, resulted in 29 deaths and 69 injuries. The crane collapsed onto Special Express 21, causing derailment and fires in the affected carriages.

PM Anutin instructed Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand Anan Phonimdang to conduct an on-site investigation and oversee the immediate response.

According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the train comprised three carriages and carried a total of 195 passengers and staff. The railway bridge where the incident occurred is part of Phase 1 (Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima) of the 5.4 billion USD Thailand–China high-speed railway project, which broke ground in 2017. The project is intended to link Bangkok with China's Kunming via Laos, and is scheduled for completion in 2028./.

VNA
#crane collapse #Nakhon Ratchasima province Thailand
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Fire destroys one of the 11 PTT petrol stations that were attacked across three southern border provinces on January 11 (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand imposes curfew in southern province

The Thai military confirmed that multiple petrol stations in Thailand's southern border provinces were hit by arson attacks and explosions on late January 11, leaving one police officer injured, with five petrol stations in Narathiwat among the targeted sites.

See more

The scene of a crane collapse in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Another crane collapses in Thailand

The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon province near the capital Bangkok, where a crane involved in the construction of an elevated highway fell onto the road beneath.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Cambodian PM declares crackdown on cyber scams

The Cambodian PM noted the strict measures against online scams in the past are a testament to the government's political commitment to combating this transnational crime, which is a common concern for Cambodia, the region, and the world.

Foreign tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

International arrivals to Thailand surge in early 2026

Thailand welcomed 1,121,549 international visitors in the first 11 days of 2026, generating an estimated 55.03 billion THB (approximately 1.59 billion USD) in tourism revenue, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on January 13.

Tourists visit the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang, Laos.(Photo: VNA)

Laos named among world’s top travel destinations for 2026: TravelPulse

Known for being one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, experts said 2026 will be the year for Laos to start attracting discerning travelers. Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos features mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and an abundance of Buddhist monasteries.

A commemorative publication titled “50 Years of Germany – Vietnam Relations: Partners in the Past, Present and Future”, published in 2025, offers a timely and comprehensive reflection not only on the 50th anniversary but also on the two countries' strategic path ahead. (Illustrative photo: the Vietnamese – German University)

German economic cooperation ministry praises Vietnam’s development

Commenting on the German Government’s prominent reference to Vietnam’s achievements in a key policy document shaping the future direction of its development policy, Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of Germany’s World University Service (WUS), described this as highly significant.

Indonesia’s meat industry faces widespread job loss risks (Photo:en.infosawit.com)

Indonesia’s meat industry faces risk of mass layoffs

The Indonesian Meat Entrepreneurs and Processors Association (APPDI) said the total beef import quota for private companies this year has been cut to 30,000 tonnes, down sharply from 180,000 tonnes in 2025. The figure accounts for only a small fraction of Indonesia’s overall import plan of 297,000 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat for 2026.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (left) and Lao Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone (Photo: VNA)

Laos focuses on building comprehensive all-people national defence posture

Reporting on defence and security work over the past five years, he noted that despite numerous challenges, Laos has recorded significant achievements under the direct, comprehensive and resolute leadership of the LPRP, the guidance of the Central Commission for Defence–Security, the solidarity and efforts of administrations at all levels, sectors, local authorities and the Lao people, along with cooperation from strategic partners.

Governor of National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas RI) of Indonesia Dr. Ace Hasan Syadzily (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia's programme to develop visionary leaders unveiled

This programme is designed to equip prospective senior leaders with strategic leadership mindset, geopolitical and geostrategic vision, and the capacity to formulate policies and govern the country amid a dynamic domestic and international environment.