On a somber morning in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani, tragedy struck as a fire consumed a CNG-powered bus, claiming the lives of 20 students and three dedicated teachers. The devastating incident on October 1, 2024, has since prompted the Department of Land Transport to launch a thorough inspection of compressed natural gas buses across the region, seeking to ensure the safety of future passengers. The haunting image of the gutted vehicle signals a glaring issue within the public transportation system.
Since the tragedy, the Department of Land Transport has inspected 1,331 CNG buses, uncovering that 68 of them, or roughly 5%, fail to meet safety standards. Spurred by the disaster, inspections began diligently on October 4. This particular bus, an antiquated 54-year-old vehicle, was converted to run on CNG. Unfortunately, it bypassed crucial regulations, playing a role in the horrendous loss on October 1.
The Department has identified expired gas cylinders and outdated equipment as frequent offenders in this safety saga. Of the buses taken off the roads, 12 have been permitted to return to service after necessary repairs. Bus operators are mandated to rectify these issues within a 15-day window before undergoing another stringent check.
Thailand’s commitment to safety is further evidenced by the Ministry of Transport’s directive for all 13,400 CNG-powered buses to undergo inspections, although a mere 10% have been inspected to date. This systematic scrutiny aims to prevent any recurrence of such calamities.
As for those affected, the fire left three young students battling severe burn injuries in local hospitals. The tragic event unfolded as the bus was ferrying students and educators from Wat Phao Praya Sangkharam School based in Uthai Thani. Heartbreakingly, the investigation unveiled that Chinnaboot Tour, the bus operator from Sing Buri, was involved in a cover-up of non-compliant CNG installations throughout its fleet.
In response, law enforcement has placed significant charges against the driver, Samarn Chanthabut, along with the bus owner and the company’s proprietor. The incident underscores the pressing need for stringent compliance and vigilance in public transport operations, ensuring the safety of every passenger who entrusts their life into the hands of the transportation system.
This is an absolute disaster. How can a bus that old even be on the road? There should be regulations in place to prevent this from happening.
You’re right, Linda! Buses that old shouldn’t be allowed, and this tragedy could’ve been avoided if the regulations were enforced.
Exactly, Tommy. People’s lives are at stake here, and it seems like nobody cared until it was too late.
But how can we expect regulations to be followed when corruption is so rampant? It’s heartbreaking but not surprising.
Old doesn’t always mean unsafe, but in this case, it certainly needed a thorough checkup that it never got.
CNG is supposed to be safer than diesel or petrol. What went wrong here isn’t just technology but human negligence.
True, Gavin. It’s negligence that cost these lives. Proper training and inspections are crucial.
CNG is a step towards green energy, but tech needs meticulous maintenance.
My heart breaks for the families. We need to hold everyone accountable who was involved in cutting these safety corners.
This incident demonstrates a massive failure in engineering guidelines. We need stricter maintenance protocols nationwide.
Exactly, FutureEngineer. Maintenance is key. But there’s also a competence gap that needs addressing!
And possibly an enforcement gap as well. Guidelines are useless if they’re ignored.
Why does it take a tragedy like this for action to be taken? History is repeating itself, and lives are the cost.
Indeed, HistoricalInsight, past incidents were ignored too. It’s frustrating how little is learned.
This could happen anywhere if the system doesn’t change. Every country should learn from this and improve their safety standards.
I’m worried that this will discourage the use of CNG and other clean fuel options when the real problem is the implementation.
Exactly! CNG has its perks if done right. We shouldn’t lose sight of eco-friendly transport.
Justice must be swift and harsh for those responsible. This should never have been allowed to happen!
Right, Karen. And they should confiscate licenses, not just blame the drivers.
Let’s hope justice is truly served and not just lip service to pacify public outcry.
That’s a big concern, SkepticJoe. We’ve seen it before, where promises for action fade over time.
With the upcoming elections, I’m curious if any political party will actually prioritize transit safety.
As a parent, this is terrifying. We trust the system with our children’s lives every day.
This resonates with so many of us, Rose. Where is the responsibility toward our kids?
I can’t imagine the pain of those families. We deserve better safeguards.
A tragedy such as this should evoke a deep-seated change within public policy.
Thailand’s struggle is not unique. Similar issues occur worldwide. We must unite for global safety reforms.
Has anyone considered the possibility of internal sabotage? Seems like those behind the scenes had too much to gain from negligence.
I doubt I can trust any bus service knowing they might be just hiding their non-compliance until it’s too late.
It’s tragic how fear creeps into our choices after such events. Accountability is non-negotiable.