Staff of Police General Hospital stood solemnly at attention as an ambulance, carrying the body of a victim, solemnly departed from the hospital’s forensic institute in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
The Ministry of Transport is significantly increasing safety measures for public transport to enhance passenger safety after a heart-wrenching bus fire claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers on Tuesday. The response will entail comprehensive checks on thousands of buses using compressed natural gas (CNG), establishing stringent requirements for buses used on school field trips, and conducting safety training for both teachers and students.
Officials revealed startling reports that the bus involved in the tragic incident in Pathum Thani had been in service for over 50 years, had undergone numerous modifications, and the CNG modifications were improperly executed.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that a special committee would work on implementing both urgent and long-term measures aimed at enhancing safety in all vehicle types and minimizing the severity of accidents. Experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand will join this committee, which will also inspect the ill-fated bus, its safety equipment, and investigate the root cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) will tighten controls on modified vehicles and is prepared to mandate inspections for all vehicles using CNG. Furthermore, the DLT will establish standard requirements for buses used on school excursions, with assistance from provincial transport offices in selecting suitable vehicles. Crucial safety advice, including the use of onboard safety equipment such as seatbelts, emergency hammers, exits, and fire extinguishers, will be provided to teachers and students.
“Emergency response plans must be meticulously prepared by a transport safety manager. This includes selecting safe routes, designating rest stops, and assuring thorough vehicle and driver inspections,” said Minister Suriya.
According to an initial DLT report, the bus involved in Tuesday’s disaster was a single-decker, contrary to earlier statements that it was a double-decker, and was equipped with the required safety equipment. The emergency door at the rear of the bus was functionally operational.
The bus was ferrying 39 students, ranging from Kindergarten 2 to Mathayom 3, and six teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani. It caught fire while traveling on an inbound lane of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, near the Zeer Rangsit shopping center in Lam Luk Ka district.
Inspection on Wednesday found no evidence supporting previous reports of a front tyre explosion. DLT officials and a police forensic team are now scrutinizing the bus’s CNG installation system, brake, and steering systems to determine the fire’s cause.
Initial reports from first responders said the front left tyre had blown out, leading the wheel to catch fire. The driver lost control, and the bus veered into the median barrier, rapidly becoming engulfed in flames.
Minister Suriya added that the ministry is contemplating restricting double-decker buses to inner-city areas only and banning their use for interprovincial travel.
Operating licences suspended
The DLT has temporarily suspended the transport operation licence granted to Panisara Chinnaboot, operator of Sing Buri-based Chinnaboot Tour. The licence will be permanently revoked if the investigation reveals the tragedy was due to the company’s negligence. Additionally, the registration of Kanittha Chinnaboot as the company’s transport safety manager has been revoked, and an inquiry into Alternative Resource Engineering Co, which provides gas-fuelled vehicle inspection and testing services, has been ordered.
Mr. Suriya added that the bus driver’s licence, identified as Samarn Chanphut, 48, who turned himself in to police on Tuesday night, has also been suspended.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote stated that the DLT will order all 13,426 CNG vehicles to be inspected within 60 days, starting with 2,935 non-scheduled buses. Permits will be revoked for any vehicles failing to meet standard requirements. A law will be introduced requiring employment of staff on board non-scheduled buses, similar to those on public buses; they must receive training and pass an emergency response and passenger assistance test. Bus operators will be mandated to provide emergency guidelines akin to airline safety instructions.
For the long term, the ministry plans to overhaul regulations governing all passenger vehicles, which may include phasing out gas-fuelled buses.
‘Hold owners accountable’
Grieving families wept and prayed for the victims at the accident site in Pathum Thani. Others gathered outside the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, where the remains of the 20 children and three teachers were returned to their families after DNA tests identified them due to extensive burns from the inferno.
At the school in Uthai Thani, monks and staff began preparations for five days of funeral prayers for the victims, expected to be cremated next Tuesday. Jayseth Thaiseth, a Bhumjaithai MP for Uthai Thani, urged the House of Representatives to explore ways to enhance safety measures to avert another tragedy. Pheu Thai MP Jittipot Wiriyarote called for laws to hold vehicle owners accountable for proper vehicle maintenance and driver oversight.
In light of the tragedy, some groups have called for school field trips to be scrapped, and the Ministry of Education has temporarily suspended them pending improvements in bus passenger safety.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the opposition People’s Power Party insisted that field trips are invaluable for students’ education, emphasizing the need to focus on improving safety management of public vehicles.
Currently, Thailand holds the second-worst road safety record in Asia, after Nepal, with around 20,000 deaths reported annually—averaging more than 50 fatalities each day.
This tragedy highlights how outdated bus regulations are. It’s shocking how a 50-year-old bus was still in service!
Absolutely, Janet! If that bus had undergone proper checks, this tragedy might have been avoided.
But let’s not forget, it’s not just about regulating buses but ensuring these regulations are enforced. Too often, we see rules ‘on paper’ that don’t translate into real-world safety.
True, Sara. It’s a systemic issue. Enforcing these regulations can save lives; it’s critical!
It’s horrifying to think this could happen to any of us. My heart breaks for the families.
Who needs field trips anyway? They should focus on preventing deaths rather than sending kids out on dangerous adventures.
Field trips are an essential part of education, grower134. The focus should be on improving safety, not cancelling these valuable experiences.
Exactly! Instead of scrapping them, how about we mandate safer transport methods? Better training for everyone involved.
CNG buses are time bombs! Why are they even allowed? Traditional fuel might be polluting but at least it’s less dangerous.
CNG is actually safer and greener when done right. The problem is poor implementation and lack of proper oversight.
I don’t buy it. If that’s true, why are we seeing such tragic accidents?
Rick, the technology isn’t the issue. It’s how it’s managed. Proper inspections and regular maintenance are key.
I am a parent, and this makes me rethink about sending my kids to school by bus. Safety should be the top priority!
Same here, Helen. I will definitely be more cautious now. This incident is a wake-up call for all of us.
What about the bus driver’s responsibility? Was he properly trained for emergencies?
Good point, CuriousCat. The article mentions his license being suspended, but it doesn’t say much about his training.
Exactly, Laura. It’s not just about the vehicle; it’s about the person behind the wheel too.
I hope tighter regulations actually mean something. Too often, new rules are announced and then not enforced.
The government needs to take full responsibility for this. How can they allow such old buses on the roads?
It’s insane that the bus passed inspection with all those modifications. Corruption or negligence?
Sadly, corruption is a big issue in many places. Makes you wonder if someone’s palms were greased.
Corruption is a plague. Until that’s tackled, regulations might not mean much.
My heart goes out to the families. This shouldn’t have happened. Let’s hope real change comes from this.
Sadly, these things only grab attention after a tragedy. Why does it take a disaster to enforce safety standards?
James, you’re so right. It’s reactive rather than proactive. Preventative measures should’ve been in place long ago.
If the emergency exits were functional, how did so many people lose their lives? Were the occupants educated about using them?
Good question, Mark. It’s one thing to have safety equipment, but people need to know how to use it in an emergency.
We need to hold the bus operators accountable and ensure no more negligence happens!
Instead of field trips, maybe we should focus on virtual tours for now. Technology can offer safer alternatives.
Yes, virtual tours can be enriching too! At least until we can ensure safe transportation.
Virtual tours aren’t the same. Kids need real-world experiences. Let’s fix the transportation issue instead.
I agree real-world experiences are irreplaceable, but until it’s safe, virtual could be temporary fix.
Virtual tours could be a good stopgap, but it shouldn’t replace actual field trips in the long run.
If only these measures had been in place sooner. RIP to those unfortunate students and teachers.
The fact that Thailand has the second-worst road safety record in Asia should be a wake-up call for the entire country!
Regulations need to be stricter not just for buses but for any kind of public transport. It’s a matter of public safety.
Removing double-decker buses isn’t the solution. Better inspection and regular maintenance is.