Thai-Korean newlyweds killed in train & crane crash, a day after marriage registration

A Thai woman and her South Korean husband had registered their marriage just a day before the Jan. 14 accident that killed them and 30 others after a construction crane fell onto a moving train.

According to Khaosod English, the victims were Surattiyakorn Kanya, 35, who also went by "Kai", and her husband Kim Yongho, 37.

The couple had been in a relationship for more than 10 years and decided to return to Thailand to register their marriage.

They were on their way home after registering their marriage at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Jan. 13, 2026.

They had planned to register their marriage once more at their local district office in Wang Hin.

'I don't know how to go on'

On Jan. 15, reporters from Khaosod English visited the bereaved family as they prepared to receive the bodies of the couple.

Surattiyakorn's mother, Lam-yong Kanya, 60, stated that the couple arrived in Thailand on Dec. 19.

"I learned around 10am on Jan. 13 that my daughter and son-in-law had been killed by the train collapse. I was devastated. I don't know how to go on."

Lam-yong also lamented that her "two grandchildren have now lost their mother" and that she would care for them.

The Korean Embassy informed the victim’s family in Korea and is providing consular assistance, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

The accident

The newlyweds were travelling from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani on the Special Express Train No. 21.

The incident occurred when a construction crane fell on two of the train's carriages in Nakhon Ratchasima, derailing it and causing the coaches to catch fire, killing 32 people and injuring 64 others, according to The Bangkok Post.

The train was travelling at 120km/h and carrying 195 passengers and crew.

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