On February 26, 2025, Thailand witnessed a tragic double-decker bus accident on Highway 304, resulting in 18 fatalities and injuries to 31 passengers. This harrowing incident has prompted the Thai Ministry of Transport to take swift action to improve safety standards for public transport, particularly focusing on double-decker buses.
During a meeting on March 4, 2025, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Surapong Piyachote, indicated the urgency of addressing safety measures for double-decker buses after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident. He stated, "The Ministry of Transport is accelerating the resolution of problems related to double-decker buses," emphasizing the need for enhanced protocols to prevent such tragedies.
The recent accident occurred at approximately 3:09 AM when a bus, registered as 30-0040 from Bueng Kan, lost control and rolled off the road near Nadi District, Prachinburi. This incident served as a wake-up call, leading officials to reassess safety measures governing public transportation.
At the forefront of the proposed measures is the introduction of zoning regulations on steep roads, particularly where double-decker buses pose greater risks. Such zones might restrict the access of these vehicles altogether or enforce stricter guidelines on their operation. Mr. Surapong mentioned the potential for reducing speed limits to 40 km/h on hazardous routes, particularly those characterized by sharp turns and steep slopes.
To complement these zoning measures, the Ministry is considering the installation of GPS systems across all buses, enhancing their ability to notify drivers of approaching danger zones. Mr. Surapong noted, "We aim to improve safety standards across all dimensions," highlighting the comprehensive nature of these efforts.
Currently, there are nearly 7,000 registered double-decker buses operating within the country. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, Mr. Jirutom Wisaljitra, indicated during the same meeting, "Many buses still lack safety equipment and do not meet safety standards." This acknowledgment has led to calls for increased scrutiny of these vehicles to bring them up to par with safety regulations.
Additional recommendations from the Ministry include the training of drivers, particularly focusing on operating buses on steep and winding roads. Improving knowledge on gear selection and monitoring tire pressure were emphasized as parts of the enhanced training protocol. Complying with these new standards will be pivotal for drivers, especially on stretches of highway known for accidents.
The Ministry is also working on establishing checkpoints for double-decker buses at entry and exit points of dangerous roads to facilitate enforcement of these new regulations. Mr. Jirutom observed, "The effective implementation of these measures relies heavily on ensuring operators prioritize the safety of passengers traveling on double-decker buses." Ensuring compliance from all involved parties will be necessary for the overall success of the initiative.
Public safety on elevated routes has long been a concern, and the Ministry aims to mitigate risks through these immediate and long-term strategies. Zoning restrictions would not only limit double-decker bus operations on precarious routes but also lead to the implementation of advanced traffic calming measures like rumble strips, to warn drivers of hazardous locations.
With the approaching Songkran festival, the Ministry plans to finalize these regulations before the holiday period. Officials are committed to raising the safety standards for all public transportation, focusing on not just compliance but also the overall experience of safety for passengers.
The importance of these measures cannot be overstated. The government’s priority is to prevent accidents similar to the one on February 26, prioritizing passenger lives over operational ease. Ensuring adherence to updated safety regulations and training will be key elements moving forward.
Changes will impact all facets of transport regulation, with expectations of tighter international and domestic regulations on the safety features of bus operations. The Ministry, alongside the Department of Land Transport, will communicate with all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to uphold safety as the highest priority.
Authoritative enforcement and raising awareness will hopefully lead to safer transportation across Thailand, particularly for those utilizing double-decker buses notorious for past accidents. The recent tragedy has catalyzed important conversations about transport safety, and these proactive measures could substantially improve the security of public transport.
With the organization’s dedicated approach to these reforms and transparency with the public, the Ministry hopes to not only prevent future accidents but also restore confidence among passengers traveling on double-decker buses.