Thais demand overhaul of public transportation safety following fatal bus fire

A fire that killed 23 people on a bus – mostly schoolchildren who were on a field trip near Bangkok last week – has ignited calls for comprehensive safety reforms to Thai public transportation, as reflected in results of a new poll.

The government has ordered more than 13,000 buses fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) to be recalled for inspection within 60 days after the Oct. 1 fire aboard the chartered bus shocked the nation. The vehicle, which was quickly engulfed in flames after catching fire on a highway outside the Thai capital, was found to be equipped with unpermitted additional CNG tanks, authorities said.  

The bus was carrying 38 students and six teachers from Wat Khao Phra Ya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani province. Survivors reported being unable to open the side emergency exit, contributing to the death toll.

According to the poll published over the weekend, close to 100% of respondents are demanding a systemic overhaul of safety measures in public transportation. 

The survey, conducted by Super Poll between Oct. 4 and 5 and involving 1,006 respondents nationwide, revealed that 98% of respondents want police and relevant agencies to expedite the investigation into the cause of the fire. Even more respondents, 99.2%, called for a systemic overhaul of safety measures across all types of public transportation, not only for buses used in school field trips.

“There should be regular inspections of the readiness of field trip buses and use standard procedures to assess risks before traveling,” the poll recommended, adding, “There should be training for drivers, teachers and students on safety standards and emergency response preparation.”

The Super Poll survey found that respondents identified bus owners and transport service companies as bearing the most responsibility (81.4%), followed by schools organizing field trips (79.9%), and the Department of Land Transport (67.9%). 

After the Oct. 1 fire, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) opened an internal investigation into the bus powered by CNG.

“We’re investigating how the spark occurred and where the gas leak originated,” Jirut Wisanjit, DLT director-general, told reporters on Monday. “A committee has been established to examine whether all regulations were followed and to identify any negligence in enforcing the law.” 

In November 2023, the World Health Organization reported that traffic accidents in Thailand result in about 20,000 deaths and 1 million injuries each year. That number works out to over 50 fatalities per day.

The bus driver was arrested within hours after the fire. Samarn Chanput, 48, faces charges of reckless driving causing death and fleeing the scene of a fatal accident. 

“Preliminary investigations of the bus involved in the accident revealed 11 gas tanks, despite only six being authorized for installation,” Seksom Akaraphan, DLT deputy director, told reporters on Friday.

Thai law specifies that buses classified as natural gas vehicles weighing up to 15,000 kg (3,300 lbs) and carrying 40 seats, can install no more than six CNG tanks. 

Sarawut Lertpalangsanti, director of the Engineering Design and Computation Research Group at the National Metal and Materials Technology Center, told BenarNews that the tanks each weigh 175 kg (385 lbs), meaning the five tanks added 875 kg (1,929 lbs) to the vehicle’s weight.

The DLT said the bus weighed 14,300 kg (31,525 lbs), had seats for 41 passengers and was registered in 1970.

Jirut reiterated previous statements that all 13,426 public buses using CNG would be recalled for inspection within 60 days.

“Those failing the inspection will be taken off the road. We’re also reviewing laws to enhance transport operator standards, including service quality and vehicle inspections.” 

Jirut said action linked to the investigation has been taken already. 

“As part of our investigative process, two officials – a department head (senior technical officer for vehicle inspection) and a technical officer for vehicle inspection from the Sing Buri Provincial Transport Office – have been transferred to the central DLT office,” he said.

Transfers are common measures in the Thai civil service system.

Calls for independent probe

Piyabutr Wanichpongpan, former president of the Council of Engineers, emphasized the need for an impartial agency to analyze the fire and develop safety measures in collaboration with the government. 

“We advocate for an independent agency to conduct a thorough analysis of this tragedy,” he told reporters on Monday. 

“Long-term safety improvements must be systemic, encompassing personnel training, safety demonstrations and comprehensive safety equipment. An independent body using rigorous academic principles should drive these initiatives.” 

Sumet Ongkittikul, research director for Transport and Logistics Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), suggested that the government should assist operators in adapting to new safety standards. 

“The government may need to introduce programs to help upgrade vehicle standards, such as direct funding or low-interest loans for operators to improve their fleet in line with new DLT regulations,” he said.

Nontarat Phaicharoen in Bangkok contributed to this report.