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Transport Bus Operators Protest Ministry’s Ban on Double-Decker Coaches Along ‘Risky’ Routes
UPDATE Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route -
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Transport Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route
Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Ministry of Transport has agreed to reconsider its controversial ban on double-decker buses travelling along several steep mountain routes, most notably the Khao Phap Pha section of Highway 4 connecting Trang and Phatthalung. The decision follows a large-scale protest by operators and a growing backlash from local businesses and the tourism sector. On 4 June, over 100 double-decker buses assembled at the Andaman Gateway on the Trang-Phatthalung border in protest. Led by the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators (TADBO), the demonstrators submitted a formal petition to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, urging him to revoke a recent Department of Land Transport (DLT) directive banning such vehicles from operating on seven so-called “high-risk” routes across the country. The ban cited safety concerns, specifically prohibiting buses from travelling on roads with gradients exceeding 8% for more than five kilometres or on routes with more than five accidents per year. Khao Phap Pha was included despite, protestors claim, having no history of major accidents and only short stretches of steep incline. The DLT’s decision forced operators to divert via much longer routes through Satun or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, increasing travel time and fuel costs. The move also sparked criticism from local business owners, including hoteliers, restaurant operators and tour agencies, who say the ban threatens to damage the region’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery. Protestors also called for the removal of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, who oversees the DLT, and announced plans to file a case with the Administrative Court. There were also calls for criminal charges under Section 157 of the Penal Code, accusing officials of malfeasance for issuing a ban they claim lacks legal basis. In response to the growing pressure, Minister Surapong chaired an urgent meeting on 5 June with representatives from TADBO. It was agreed that a new four-party fact-finding committee would be formed, comprising: 1. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport 2. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport 3. The Engineering Institute of Thailand 4. The President of the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators This committee will re-inspect all seven contested routes, starting with the Khao Phap Pha section on Sunday, 8 June. According to a joint statement, if the route does not meet the criteria set out in the original directive, particularly the required 5km of continuous steep gradient or frequent accidents, the ministry will revoke the ban immediately. Regarding the other six routes, the Ministry will hold further discussions next week to determine safety upgrades or modifications needed before potentially reopening them to double-decker traffic. In light of these developments, TADBO has decided to temporarily suspend its plan to file a court case, stating: “We are giving the Ministry an opportunity to show sincerity and to correct the issue in a concrete manner. However, if the upcoming inspection of Khao Phap Pha yields no progress or clear direction, we will proceed with legal action without delay.” Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362718-bus-operators-protest-ministry’s-ban-on-double-decker-coaches-along-‘risky’-routes/ Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-07 -
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The Rise of GB News and the Making of a Mini-Murdoch
The simple rubes need somewhere to get their false information, just like fox/newsmax etc in the US. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 7 June 2025
Woman Killed After Being Hit and Crushed by Lorry While Alighting from Bus in Chonburi Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A 65-year-old woman was killed on the afternoon of 6 June, after being struck by an 18-wheeler lorry while disembarking from a passenger vehicle on a busy road in Phan Thong District, Chonburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362945-woman-killed-after-being-hit-and-crushed-by-lorry-while-alighting-from-bus-in-chonburi/ -
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Accident Woman Killed After Being Hit and Crushed by Lorry While Alighting from Bus in Chonburi
Picture courtesy of Komchadluek. A 65-year-old woman was killed on the afternoon of 6 June, after being struck by an 18-wheeler lorry while disembarking from a passenger vehicle on a busy road in Phan Thong District, Chonburi Province. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 13:30, on the Sukhumvit–Phan Thong Road, in front of Wat Si Pracharam in Ban Kao Subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Charuek Phothong, an investigator with Phan Thong Police Station, responded to the scene along with emergency services from Jaturatham Prateep Rescue Foundation. Authorities found the body of Mrs Ratree 65, lying beneath the rear wheels of a Hino 18-wheel articulated lorry, registered in Bangkok. She had suffered severe pelvic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle was transporting an excavator and had come to a halt in the second lane of the road. Nearby, a blue Isuzu six-wheeled passenger vehicle, operating as a local songthaew between Chonburi, Ban Kao and Phan Thong, was found parked in the far-left lane. The rear of the vehicle had sustained visible damage from the collision. Ms Noi 70, the victim’s elder sister, explained that Mrs Ratree had been out shopping in Chonburi, a monthly outing made possible by a government welfare card. She was returning home and preparing to cross the road after stepping off the songthaew when the incident occurred. Mr Boonpeng, the driver of the lorry, claimed that he had slowed down upon seeing the songthaew and applied the brakes, but failed to notice that a passenger was alighting from the vehicle. “I was only watching the truck in the adjacent lane and didn’t see the passenger vehicle properly,” he told police. Two other women sustained minor injuries during the crash and were treated at the scene before being transported to Phan Thong Hospital. Mr Samroeng 60, the songthaew driver, stated that he had slowed down and moved into the left lane to drop off passengers when the lorry crashed into the rear of his vehicle. The force of the impact reportedly threw two passengers from the vehicle, with Mrs Ratree being fatally struck and run over, after stepping off. Police have detained the lorry driver for further questioning at Phan Thong Police Station and confirmed that legal proceedings will follow in accordance with traffic laws. Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-06-07
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