Thai School Bus Tragedy Claims Lives, Prompts Safety Overhaul

 

 

Bangkok, October 2, 2024 – A devastating bus fire near the Monument of Honor has claimed multiple lives, including students and teachers from Wat Khao Phraya School in Uthai Thani. With 23 people still missing, including 20 students and 3 teachers, the nation mourns the tragic incident that unfolded on Vibhavadi Road.

 

The blaze, which consumed a 54-year-old bus, underscores severe safety lapses, prompting immediate governmental action. The deceased teachers—Ms. Pimthong Sombat, Ms. Saranya Homkasorn, and Ms. Kanokwan Sriporn—have been lauded for their courage and dedication, drawing widespread tributes online.

 

In an urgent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, crucial safety measures were announced. These include comprehensive inspections of all 13,426 CNG buses within 60 days and heightened safety protocols for non-regular buses. A focus will be placed on ensuring rented buses for school trips undergo rigorous checks.

 

 

 

 

Future bus operations will see stricter regulations on vehicle age and condition, coupled with mandatory crisis response training for drivers and staff. In a bid to avert future tragedies, new legislation will enforce safety briefings, akin to those on flights, detailing emergency equipment use.

 

Compensation for victims is set at 2.4 million baht per deceased person, combining insurance payouts and government funds. Severely injured individuals will receive 700,000 baht, while those with minor injuries will get 200,000 baht. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reported three individuals in ICU with severe burns, who are now receiving specialized ointment from China for treatment. Mental health teams are deployed to assist affected families and communities.

 

This heart-wrenching incident has sparked a national call for improved safety measures, aiming to prevent such future tragedies and ensure the wellbeing of all passengers on Thai roads, reported The Pattaya News.

 

Photo: The Pattaya News

 

-- 2024-10-02

 

Police Vow Legal Action at Press Update

 

 

A press conference was held at 14.00 on October 2. Police officials, led by Deputy Commissioner-General Police General Kittirat Panpet, Acting Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, provided updates on the incident.

 

The press conference began with a moment of silence for the victims. Authorities announced that the National Police Office has established an emergency coordination centre at the Royal Project Coordination Centre to manage the incident and coordinate efforts between agencies.
 

A forensic team from the Police General Hospital has identified all 23 victims, with formal reports and death certificates being prepared. The police are arranging for the bodies to be transported to their hometowns in Uthai Thani with full escort and support.

 

The driver of the ill-fated bus was arrested on October 1, at 19:30 and is now in custody at Khu Khot Police Station. He faces multiple charges, including reckless driving causing death, injury, and failure to provide assistance at the scene.
 

The investigation revealed that the bus was equipped with 11 gas cylinders, but only 6 were legally registered. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the forensic team.

 

Authorities expressed their deepest condolences to the victims' families and requested that the public refrain from sharing images or videos of the deceased.

The Provincial Public Relations Office of Uthai Thani confirmed the final count of passengers, detailing the number of survivors and casualties by age group. 
 

This tragic event has sparked a broader investigation into potential safety violations, and police have vowed to take legal action against any individuals or companies found responsible.

Passenger Breakdown:

Kindergarten 2: 2 children, all safe
Kindergarten 3: 4 children, all safe
Grade 1: 7 children, 3 safe, 1 injured, 3 deceased
Grade 2: 7 children, all safe
Grade 3: 7 children, 1 injured, 6 deceased
Grade 4: 6 children, all deceased
Grade 8: 2 children, all deceased
Grade 9: 4 children, 1 injured, 3 deceased
Teachers: 3 safe, 3 deceased

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and have pledged to pursue justice for the victims and their families.

 

Picture from police conference.

 

-- 2024-10-02

14 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Forensic officials began preparing coffins early in the day, planning the transportation of the remains back to Uthai Thani province. On the third floor, designated as a waiting area, grieving parents and guardians arrived to provide DNA samples for identification.

Horrendous obviously.  I hope that there is decent psychological support for everyone affected by this.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jwqzzw986o
Twenty children dead after Thailand school bus fire

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/school-bus-catches-fire-thailand-with-44-people-board-2024-10-01/
School bus fire in Thailand kills at least 23

 

https://japantoday.com/category/world/school-bus-fire-in-thailand-kills-at-least-23
School bus fire in Thailand kills at least 23

 

https://www.manilastandard.net/news/314504892/field-trip-turns-tragic-in-thailand-school-bus-fire.html
Field trip turns tragic in Thailand school bus fire

 

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/world-news/800568/multiple-deaths-in-school-bus-fire-in-thailand/en
Multiple deaths in school bus fire in Thailand

 

https://thesun.my/world/school-bus-catches-fire-in-thailand-25-feared-dead-AE13066053

 

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/thai-police-arrest-driver-and-work-to-identify-victims-of-school-bus-fire-that-killed/article_40e083e9-c9f1-5d74-999a-29d81c47298a.html
Thai police arrest driver and work to identify victims of school bus fire that killed 23

 

This is only a tiny overview of the news today.

I have a tip for the THAI GOVERNMENT:

Why don't the THAI GOVERNMENT convert the place of the accident to a SANCTUARY?
And ask "La Lita" to visit this sanctuary and write a song about it?
Dozens of tourist guaranteed.

That's what you want, or not?
Think of all that money that will be generated.

8 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

We should have a scapegoat soon enough and then it will be forgotten much as the Santika Fire tragedy was buried.

The Wiki article on Santika is hard reading.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santika_Club_fire

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Compensation for victims is set at 2.4 million baht per deceased person, combining insurance payouts and government funds. Severely injured individuals will receive 700,000 baht, while those with minor injuries will get 200,000 baht. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reported three individuals in ICU with severe burns, who are now receiving specialized ointment from China for treatment. Mental health teams are deployed to assist affected families and communities.

 

700,000 baht for a severely injured individual?
Which severly injured individual can be provided proper health care for that amount.
GET REAL THAI GOVERNMENT!!!!!
You are a disgrace to the world!!!!

 

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai School Bus Tragedy Claims Lives, Prompts Safety Overhaul

 

 

 

 

 

In an urgent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, crucial safety measures were announced. These include comprehensive inspections of all 13,426 CNG buses within 60 days and heightened safety protocols for non-regular buses. A focus will be placed on ensuring rented buses for school trips undergo rigorous checks.

Future bus operations will see stricter regulations on vehicle age and condition, coupled with mandatory crisis response training for drivers and staff. In a bid to avert future tragedies, new legislation will enforce safety briefings, akin to those on flights, detailing emergency equipment use.

 

 

 

-- 2024-10-02

 

What a shame it has taken the deaths of 23 people to force the Government to take action. Sadly I don't think we will see any noticeable difference.

20 hours ago, jaizan said:

Agreed.   The bus has next to no visible impact damage.  Yet it's caught fire.

 

Passenger cars are subject to various crash test that leave the cars heavily deformed after crashing into solid barriers at 30mph.  They still must not catch fire after such tests.  
I presume the same kind of principles apply to the engineering of buses in developed countries.

I note it's a Mercedes Benz bus.  I suspect it would be some kind of aftermarket conversion to catch fire like this.  

This was an illegally modified 50+ year old bus. Catching fire is relatively easy if there was a gas leak and the bus grinded up against the guard railing causing sparks. The gas tanks looked intact from the photo I saw, but the burn larks on the bus suggested a leak from the tanks. The tanks did not appear to have exploded.

If the Adults could not get doors open, the bus company should be sued into bankruptsy

for being so negligent . RIP to all the children and teachers who needlessly died.

1 hour ago, DavisH said:

This was an illegally modified 50+ year old bus. Catching fire is relatively easy if there was a gas leak and the bus grinded up against the guard railing causing sparks. The gas tanks looked intact from the photo I saw, but the burn larks on the bus suggested a leak from the tanks. The tanks did not appear to have exploded.

 

I'm interested in who approved the work, inspected it afterwards, and who signed off on it at Thai Land Transport Office. Or better yet, who took the brown envelopes to look the other way, and how high up did the money go.

Thailand has the regulatory framework in place for coach safety, However, the prevalence of corruption and graft in Thailand's transportation sector is a serious obstacle to ensuring the safety of private charter coaches. While there are regulations in place, enforcement is often undermined by bribery, lack of accountability, and resistance to reform. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for improving road safety and preventing future accidents. Real progress will require a concerted effort from both the government and civil society to root out corruption and prioritize public safety over profit. Looks llike there’ll be a public outcry – but I wrote about this about 10 years ago – in fact the situation may even have improved – but when the starting point is so low………

14 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Rescue Team Claims Highly Unusual CNG Tank Placement in Tragic Bus Fire

 

highly illegal ..................... right

My 12 year old son was on a similar trip at the same time, fortunately returned home safely yesterday. I would have been devastated if he had been involved in a similar incident and my heart goes out to the victims and their families.

 

Luckily all the buses on my son’s trip were diesel powered. It strikes me that CNG fuel is inherently unsafe for coaches, especially with the low standards of installation and maintenance here, and the unregistered tanks that were fitted.

 

Rather than “checking” these CNG powered buses, surely they should be banned?

 

There will be push back from the owners, but they are not the ones suffering the tragedy of losing their children.

 

My kids will certainly not be going on any trips in a CNG powered bus or coach. Our school uses all diesel buses even for to and from school.

3 hours ago, Classic Ray said:

My 12 year old son was on a similar trip at the same time, fortunately returned home safely yesterday. I would have been devastated if he had been involved in a similar incident and my heart goes out to the victims and their families.

 

Luckily all the buses on my son’s trip were diesel powered. It strikes me that CNG fuel is inherently unsafe for coaches, especially with the low standards of installation and maintenance here, and the unregistered tanks that were fitted.

 

Rather than “checking” these CNG powered buses, surely they should be banned?

 

There will be push back from the owners, but they are not the ones suffering the tragedy of losing their children.

 

My kids will certainly not be going on any trips in a CNG powered bus or coach. Our school uses all diesel buses even for to and from school.

Are the regular interprovincial busses (999, Nakhonchai Air, Chantours etc) always diesel powered? Or sometimes powered by CNG?

 

Bangkok Taxis are always gas powered.  I cannot remember a similar accident. Is that only because just a couple of deaths don't make it into the headlines?

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai School Bus Tragedy Claims Lives, Prompts Safety Overhaul

 

 

 

 

Never mind the PM crying, when I saw the photo of these girls, my vision went blurry and I could not swallow.

God - a nightmare for everyone involved.

RIP and I hope that you all find peace.

Edited October 3, 20241 yr by Tropicalevo

16 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The driver of the ill-fated bus was arrested on October 1, at 19:30 and is now in custody at Khu Khot Police Station. He faces multiple charges, including reckless driving causing death, injury, and failure to provide assistance at the scene.

 

It feels like this guy is being set up as the fall guy, and everybody else above him is going to walk.

Well now we know that multiple problems caused this, this is what Thai culture has produced when everyone looks the other way when it comes to safety. I blame the Thai people for this, the parents, the teachers, the government, the RTP.....all of them! Watching the false tears from the government employees and the PM herself just makes me want to vomit, they are all complicit in this!

 

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bus-ted-driver-in-bus-blaze-tragedy-jailed-previous-accidents-shared

Unless the driver was driving reckless, he is not the cause of loss of life…

The Bus was 54 years old and converted from ISUZU Diesel  to Mercedes engine with CNG   so old , bodged  and probably poorly maintained  ....  many other buses on Thailand roads are museum pieces  with CNG     all mobile bombs

A horrific tragedy in which finding blame has overshadowed the intense grief of family .

Cause does not always or if ever identify a singular convenient scapegoat but at at least best reveals failures in implementing minimal standards which exist by law and regulations.

This expat oriented platform of course harps on about "how back home" such can never happen despite the fact such tragedies do occur .

Having recently temporarily visited home territory and made to feel like a victim of bureaucratic imposed sterilized existence I can only hope social indignation and outrage suffices in supplanting expectations of  excessive  " Govt. Kontrol" in place of genuine implementation of existing law etc !

Sue the Education Ministry for permitting ad hoc transportation providers that have no certifiable safety compliances  by teachers  who potentially need to skim budgets !

Families Grieve School Bus Fire Victims, Cause of Fire Under Investigation

 

 

Family members gathered on Thursday to remember the 23 victims who were killed in a school bus fire in the Uthai Thani district. Meanwhile, enquiries into the cause of the tragic incident are still ongoing.

 

The multi-use building at Wat Khao Phra Ya Sangkharam School was filled with white flowers, as grieving families kept coming in all morning. Many found it hard to accept the loss of their loved ones in this field trip tragedy.

 

Investigators confirmed that there was a gas leak in the front of the bus, but it's still unclear what exactly ignited the fire. Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phewphan, Head of the Central Forensic Science Office, said that two ideas are being looked into, though details weren't given.

 

The owner of the bus company was questioned for three hours but chose not to talk to the media. Officials confirmed that the bus had 11 gas cylinders fitted, which is over the legal limit of six.

In response to this incident, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced government compensation for the victim's families, which includes 1 million baht ($30,000) for each death and varying amounts for injuries.

 

There could be further compensation from various ministries and the bus company's insurance, which is expected to total around 1.4 million baht ($42,000).

 

Thammasat University Hospital reported two girls, aged 7 and 9, who are critically injured, suffering from severe burns and breathing difficulties. Medical teams are providing intensive and specialized care to treat their injuries.

 

Photo: Thai News Agency

 

-- 2024-10-03

 

On 10/2/2024 at 11:43 AM, Confuscious said:

Remember the accident with the minibus in Pattaya a few years ago where 14 passengers burned out?
A FULL investigation, weeks of talking about new rules, etc.
Nothing has changed at the end.

Remember the accident with the pick-up truck carrying 14 people in the back a few years ago?
A Full investigation, weeks of talking about new rules (reducing the amout of people allowed to sit in the pick-up bed, reducing the amount of people inside a pick-up, etc.)
Nothing has changed at the end.

 

THIS IS THAILAND!!!!!
A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY RULED BY MONEY.

Full investigation, obviously not full enough

On 10/2/2024 at 11:28 PM, kwilco said:

Thailand has the regulatory framework in place for coach safety

 

What are the requirements for new built coaches? What standard are they built to? What standards are they tested to? Are they even tested at all?

 

I have found, from experience, that Thai 'regulatory frameworks' specifically in the oil and gas industry with which I am familiar, are just created as opportunities for graft, and have no real substance whatsoever.

30 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

What are the requirements for new built coaches? What standard are they built to? What standards are they tested to? Are they even tested at all?

 

 

- Must have Neon lit interior

- Must have garish illustrations / paint on the exterior

- Must have an extremely loud sound system

- Must have loads of lights at the front

 

If after a journey people can exit the bus and still hear and see and not feel nauseous - the vehicles fail the certification for not being 'sanook' enough.... 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

What are the requirements for new built coaches? What standard are they built to? What standards are they tested to? Are they even tested at all?

 

I have found, from experience, that Thai 'regulatory frameworks' specifically in the oil and gas industry with which I am familiar, are just created as opportunities for graft, and have no real substance whatsoever.

 

I have for years pointed out the failings due to corruption - you say it as if I'm not aware. I have also worked at several oiol gas and chemical plants in Thailand - several of which have had explosions and fires.

 

Bus and Coach Safety and Construction in Thailand

Bus and coach safety is an important issue in Thailand, as buses are a popular mode of transportation for both tourists and locals. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is responsible for regulating bus and coach safety in Thailand, and it has implemented a number of measures to improve safety standards.

Bus Safety Regulations

·       All buses must be registered with the DLT and must meet certain safety standards.

·       Buses must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.

·       Bus drivers must be licensed and must undergo regular training.

·       Buses must be equipped with seatbelts for all passengers.

·       Buses must not be overloaded.

·       Buses must not exceed the speed limit.

Bus Construction Standards

·       Buses must be made of strong, durable materials.

·       Buses must have a sturdy frame.

·       Buses must have adequate brakes and steering.

·       Buses must have good visibility.

·       Buses must have emergency exits.

Enforcement of Bus Safety Regulations

The DLT has a number of measures in place to enforce bus safety regulations. These measures include:

·       Random roadside inspections.

·       Checkpoints at bus terminals.

·       Monitoring bus companies' safety records.

Public Awareness Campaigns

 

 

The DLT also runs public awareness campaigns to educate the public about bus safety. These campaigns include:

·       Distributing leaflets and posters.

·       Running radio and television advertisements.

·       Giving talks at schools and community centers.

Improvements in Bus Safety

As a result of the DLT's efforts, bus safety in Thailand has improved significantly in recent years. The number of bus accidents has decreased, and the number of fatalities has also decreased.

However, there are still some challenges to overcome:

·       Some bus companies do not comply with safety regulations.

·       Some bus drivers do not drive safely.

·       Some roads in Thailand are in poor condition.

The DLT is continuing to work to improve bus safety in Thailand.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe when taking a bus in Thailand:

·       Choose a reputable bus company.

·       Book your ticket in advance so that you can get a good seat.

·       Arrive at the bus terminal early.

·       Wear your seatbelt.

·       Do not stand or walk around the bus while it is moving.

·       Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the bus driver or conductor.

 

 

 

Edited October 4, 20241 yr by kwilco

1 hour ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

What are the requirements for new built coaches?

You need to define that - as many coaches in Thailand are coachbuilt on older chassis.

19 minutes ago, kwilco said:

 

I have for years pointed out the failings due to corruption - you say it as if I'm not aware. I have also worked at several oiol gas and chemical plants in Thailand - several of which have had explosions and fires.

 

Bus and Coach Safety and Construction in Thailand

Bus and coach safety is an important issue in Thailand, as buses are a popular mode of transportation for both tourists and locals. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is responsible for regulating bus and coach safety in Thailand, and it has implemented a number of measures to improve safety standards.

Bus Safety Regulations

·       All buses must be registered with the DLT and must meet certain safety standards.

·       Buses must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.

·       Bus drivers must be licensed and must undergo regular training.

·       Buses must be equipped with seatbelts for all passengers.

·       Buses must not be overloaded.

·       Buses must not exceed the speed limit.

Bus Construction Standards

·       Buses must be made of strong, durable materials.

·       Buses must have a sturdy frame.

·       Buses must have adequate brakes and steering.

·       Buses must have good visibility.

·       Buses must have emergency exits.

Enforcement of Bus Safety Regulations

The DLT has a number of measures in place to enforce bus safety regulations. These measures include:

·       Random roadside inspections.

·       Checkpoints at bus terminals.

·       Monitoring bus companies' safety records.

Public Awareness Campaigns

 

 

The DLT also runs public awareness campaigns to educate the public about bus safety. These campaigns include:

·       Distributing leaflets and posters.

·       Running radio and television advertisements.

·       Giving talks at schools and community centers.

Improvements in Bus Safety

As a result of the DLT's efforts, bus safety in Thailand has improved significantly in recent years. The number of bus accidents has decreased, and the number of fatalities has also decreased.

However, there are still some challenges to overcome:

·       Some bus companies do not comply with safety regulations.

·       Some bus drivers do not drive safely.

·       Some roads in Thailand are in poor condition.

The DLT is continuing to work to improve bus safety in Thailand.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe when taking a bus in Thailand:

·       Choose a reputable bus company.

·       Book your ticket in advance so that you can get a good seat.

·       Arrive at the bus terminal early.

·       Wear your seatbelt.

·       Do not stand or walk around the bus while it is moving.

·       Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the bus driver or conductor.

 

 

 

lots of bullet point but don't say any thing, WHAT Standards are Used ?? What standard is the Training, what are the safety protocols used,  the only thing i can agree on is that the bus company's are un-regulated  the DLT are supposed to Control the company's but do nothing typical Thai  this should be awake up call for Thailand to get there act together in regard to safety but safety costs money and lives are cheap will be forgotten  if a few days 

Some bickering posts removed.

17 hours ago, kwilco said:

 

I have for years pointed out the failings due to corruption - you say it as if I'm not aware. I have also worked at several oiol gas and chemical plants in Thailand - several of which have had explosions and fires.

 

Bus and Coach Safety and Construction in Thailand

Bus and coach safety is an important issue in Thailand, as buses are a popular mode of transportation for both tourists and locals. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is responsible for regulating bus and coach safety in Thailand, and it has implemented a number of measures to improve safety standards.

Bus Safety Regulations

·       All buses must be registered with the DLT and must meet certain safety standards.

·       Buses must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.

·       Bus drivers must be licensed and must undergo regular training.

·       Buses must be equipped with seatbelts for all passengers.

·       Buses must not be overloaded.

·       Buses must not exceed the speed limit.

Bus Construction Standards

·       Buses must be made of strong, durable materials.

·       Buses must have a sturdy frame.

·       Buses must have adequate brakes and steering.

·       Buses must have good visibility.

·       Buses must have emergency exits.

Enforcement of Bus Safety Regulations

The DLT has a number of measures in place to enforce bus safety regulations. These measures include:

·       Random roadside inspections.

·       Checkpoints at bus terminals.

·       Monitoring bus companies' safety records.

Public Awareness Campaigns

 

 

The DLT also runs public awareness campaigns to educate the public about bus safety. These campaigns include:

·       Distributing leaflets and posters.

·       Running radio and television advertisements.

·       Giving talks at schools and community centers.

Improvements in Bus Safety

As a result of the DLT's efforts, bus safety in Thailand has improved significantly in recent years. The number of bus accidents has decreased, and the number of fatalities has also decreased.

However, there are still some challenges to overcome:

·       Some bus companies do not comply with safety regulations.

·       Some bus drivers do not drive safely.

·       Some roads in Thailand are in poor condition.

The DLT is continuing to work to improve bus safety in Thailand.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe when taking a bus in Thailand:

·       Choose a reputable bus company.

·       Book your ticket in advance so that you can get a good seat.

·       Arrive at the bus terminal early.

·       Wear your seatbelt.

·       Do not stand or walk around the bus while it is moving.

·       Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the bus driver or conductor.

 

 

 

Additional  safety tips for travelling in Thailand........Drive yourself

5 hours ago, actonion said:

Additional  safety tips for travelling in Thailand........Drive yourself

Not sure if that is relevant to this thread. But I have driven extensively in Thailand  ... longer and further than the average Thai driver. The logic being that why leave to someone else if you consider your driving skills to be better.

However in this instance as in most playing the blame game is archaic and pointless. The issues are the behaviour of the vehicles themselves in crashes.

 What in other countries would be an unfortunate crashturns into a disaster in Thailand due to the lack of safety enforcement by the authorities.

Edited October 5, 20241 yr by kwilco