Crane Collapse Lawsuits Now Open in Thailand Following Train & Highway Incidents
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Families impacted by recent construction crane collapses – one involving a train and another on a major highway – in Thailand are now empowered to seek legal recourse. The Administrative court is prepared to accept lawsuits against government agencies, offering a pathway to compensation beyond existing settlements, but with a strict one-year filing deadline.
The Administrative Court’s decision, announced January 16, 2026, follows the devastating incidents on January 14 and 15, 2026. A crane working on the high-speed rail project collapsed onto Expressway Train No.21 in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and a separate crane fell onto Highway No. 82 on Rama 2 Road.
Legal Pathway for Victims
According to a senior judicial official, the Administrative Court of First Instance has jurisdiction over these cases, specifically those involving disputes over the actions – or inactions – of administrative agencies or government officials. This legal avenue extends beyond standard compensation packages already being offered to those affected.
“Administrative law provides for the possibility of suing the state for damages,” the official explained. “This applies even when government agencies or officials are acting within the law, but their actions result in harm to the public due to a construction project or similar undertaking.”
What happened? On January 14th and 15th, 2026, two construction cranes collapsed in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The first incident occurred when a crane working on the high-speed rail project fell onto Expressway Train No. 21 in sikhio district. The following day, a separate crane collapsed onto Highway No. 82 on Rama 2 Road. The collapses resulted in injuries and property damage.
Who is affected? Passengers on Expressway Train No. 21, motorists traveling on Highway No. 82, and individuals whose property was damaged are eligible to file claims.Families of those injured or killed in the incidents are also able to seek compensation.
Why can victims sue? The Administrative Court has jurisdiction over cases involving the actions or inactions of government agencies.Even if the agencies followed regulations, they can be held liable if their actions caused harm to the public.
One-year Filing Window
Crucially, victims wishing to pursue legal action through the Administrative Court have a limited timeframe. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is one year from the date of the incident. This means those affected by the January 14th and 15th collapses must file their claims before January 14, 2027, and January 15, 2027, respectively.
filing Locations
Complaints can be filed at either the Nakhon Ratchasima Administrative Court or the Central Administrative court, depending on the location of the incident. Both courts possess the necessary jurisdiction to hear these cases.
how did it end? The Administrative Court announced it would accept lawsuits against the government agencies involved in the high-speed rail project. Victims have until January 2027 to file claims, either at the Nakhon Ratchasima Administrative Court or the Central Administrative Court. The court’s decision aims to provide a legal avenue for full and fair compensation beyond existing settlements.
The Administrative Court’s move signals a commitment to ensuring accountability and providing a robust legal framework for those impacted by these tragic events. It underscores the importance of diligent oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects and offers a vital recourse for victims seeking full and fair compensation.
