Two more train drivers test positive for drugs, immediately suspended

Two more train drivers have been suspended from duty after they tested positive for drugs yesterday, as the State Railway of Thailand ramps up drug testing of its staff, especially train drivers, to ensure better safety of train services.

Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdang said today that the SRT tested the urine of 157 employees who work on train services on Tuesday and all passed the tests, but the tests on 141 staff yesterday found two of them had used addictive substances.

He said the two employees were immediately suspended from duty and sent for further examination by doctors, adding that employees who test positive for substance abuse become subject to disciplinary investigation and rehabilitation.

Anan also said that he plans to turn the SRT into a drug free organisation.

The SRT has ramped up safety measures after a fatal train-bus collision on the Makkasan railway crossing on Saturday, which killed eight bus passengers and injured more than 30 other people. The train driver tested positive for drugs and admitted that he is addicted to methamphetamine.