The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has ordered an investigation into a SRT Red Line train driver, who was allegedly screamed loudly from inside the control cap for a few stations, terrifying passengers aboard.
A passenger recorded part of the incident on Tuesday and posted a video on TikTok. The video showed another passenger knocking on the driver's door to find out what happened.
Confirmed reports state that the incident occurred at 2.30pm, when the train departed from Rangsit station in Pathum Thani, DRT Director-General Pichet Kunathammarak said on Wednesday.
The screams were made by a woman train driver and continued till Don Mueang station.
An initial investigation suggested that the driver was experiencing personal problems, aggravated by stress from work, leading to the behaviour, Mr Pichet said.
The driver was on duty from 7am until 3pm and it was her last shift on Tuesday. She continued working until Krung Thep Apiwat terminal station.
A still from a video shows a passenger knocking on the driver's door on Tuesday.
Mr Pichet said it was found that SRT electric train drivers have not been through mental health assessments and only physical checks before starting work.
The Red Line service is the suburban railway extension, operated by SRT Electric Train Company Limited (SRT).
For the safety in the performance of duties, which could affect passengers, Mr Pichet said he has ordered a review of the driver's licence.
An official letter has also been sent to the operator to conduct a fact-finding investigation and to emphasise checks on the readiness of electric train drivers, both in terms of physical and mental health. Further details would be reported to the DRT accordingly, Mr Pichit said.
