Korean Man and Thai Woman Killed in Thailand Train Disaster
Tragedy Strikes on Journey Home After 10 Years Together and Marriage Registration
A major train accident in Thailand has claimed the lives of a Korean man and his Thai spouse, and the heartbreaking story of their bereaved family has drawn further sympathy. The local Thai mother, who lost both her daughter and son-in-law in the accident, was seen overwhelmed with grief at the funeral as the bodies arrived.
A local Thai mother in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, who lost both her daughter and son-in-law in a construction crane accident involving a passenger train, is seen overwhelmed with grief at the funeral. Screenshot from the MCOT website.
According to local media outlets such as Thailand's MCOT on January 17 (local time), after the body of the Thai victim, Ms. A, was brought back to her hometown, her mother in her 60s reportedly collapsed in tears in front of the coffin, unable to stand properly. Family members said the mother was so shocked that she could barely speak and had hardly slept. The bereaved family is preparing the funeral in accordance with traditional Thai funeral rites.
The accident occurred on January 14 at a high-speed rail overpass construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, central Thailand. A large construction crane collapsed during the work and fell onto a passenger train passing underneath, causing part of the train to be severely damaged and resulting in a tragedy. It is reported that about 200 passengers were on board the train at the time.
A local Thai mother in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, who lost both her daughter and son-in-law in a construction crane accident involving a passenger train, is seen overwhelmed with grief at the funeral. Screenshot from the MCOT website.
According to local authorities, the crane struck the middle section of the train, splitting the carriage in two, and the impact caused the train to derail and catch fire. So far, at least 32 people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured, with some of the injured reported to be in critical condition.
On Thursday, January 15, one day after a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, the bereaved families are waiting at the hospital to receive the bodies of the victims. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Among the deceased was a Korean man in his late 30s, identified as Mr. Kim. He had recently completed a marriage registration with his long-time Thai partner, Ms. A, and was traveling with her to her hometown in Sisaket Province, eastern Thailand, when the accident occurred. The two had reportedly maintained a relationship for over 10 years, traveling back and forth between Korea and Thailand.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, a construction crane collapsed on the Rama 2 Road overpass highway in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The Korean Embassy in Thailand confirmed the death of the Korean national immediately after the accident and notified the bereaved family in Korea. The embassy is also providing necessary support, including dispatching consular staff to assist the family with entering Thailand and with local funeral arrangements.
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