The Ministry of Transport has announced an urgent initiative to enhance safety measures for public transport, a response to the recent tragic bus fire that claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers in Pathum Thani. Following this devastating incident, the ministry will conduct inspections on thousands of buses that utilize compressed natural gas (CNG) and implement standardized safety protocols for vehicles used on school trips.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasized that a special committee will be established to develop both immediate and long-term safety enhancements across all vehicle types, aimed at minimizing the risk and severity of accidents. The committee will include experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand who will assess the cause of the fire, inspect the bus involved, and evaluate safety equipment.
To reinforce vehicle safety, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) will tighten regulations on modified vehicles and mandate inspections for all CNG-powered buses. New standards will also be set for buses used in school trips, with local transport offices providing guidance on the selection of suitable vehicles. Training will be offered for both teachers and students on the proper use of safety equipment, including seatbelts, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers.
In discussing emergency response procedures, Minister Suriya stated that transport safety managers must develop travel plans that include route selections and vehicle inspections. According to initial reports, the bus that caught fire was a single-decker and was in compliance with necessary safety equipment requirements.
The ill-fated bus, carrying 39 students and six teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school, ignited on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road while en route to a field trip. Investigations have revealed that earlier reports of a front tire blowout causing the fire were unfounded, and a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s systems is underway.
Operating Licences Under Review
The DLT has temporarily suspended the transport operation license for Panisara Chinnaboot, the operator involved, pending the outcome of the investigation. If negligence is found, the license will be permanently revoked. Additionally, the registration of the company’s transport safety manager has been annulled, and inquiries are being made into the affiliated vehicle inspection firm.
Measures are being taken to ensure compliance, including a mandate for inspection of all 13,426 CNG vehicles within 60 days. Noncompliant vehicles will have their permits revoked.
For future safety improvements, the ministry will consider mandating onboard staff for non-scheduled buses, similar to regulations for public transport, and will implement training programs focused on emergency response and passenger support.
The aftermath of the fire has prompted calls from representatives for accountability among vehicle owners to ensure consistent maintenance and oversight of drivers, as well as recommendations to suspend school field trips until bus safety can be guaranteed.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remarked that the focus should be on improving bus maintenance rather than discouraging educational trips for students. With Thailand holding one of the highest road fatality rates in Asia, these measures are deemed urgent to avert future tragedies.
