In response to an unforeseen tragedy, St. Anthony Bang Pa-in School in Ayutthaya has cancelled its field trip scheduled for October 9. This decision follows the devastating bus fire on October 1 that claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School.

 

The fire broke out on a coach bus carrying 44 students and teachers during a field trip; 23 lives were lost, while three others were injured. This harrowing event has deeply unsettled not only Thailand but also garnered international attention, causing widespread panic among families with young children.

 

Thai parents have taken to social media, urging schools to reconsider organising field trips, especially for primary school students. These concerned parents highlighted that this isn't an isolated incident. Past accidents include a 2019 bus crash in Prachin Buri with one fatality and 24 injuries, and another in Chumphon last year, injuring 25 students. Earlier this year, a similar incident in Pathum Thani resulted in 25 injuries.

 

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, St. Anthony Bang Pa-in School announced the trip cancellation on their Facebook page. The school stated, "The executives and teachers are aware of parents’ concerns and the safety of all students." They added that extracurricular activities would be adjusted, expressing gratitude towards parents and apologising for any inconvenience caused.

 

 

 

 

Public opinion diverged on this issue. Some praised the school's swift action, while others argued that banning field trips isn't a solution. Critics, including People’s Party MP, Rukchanok Srinork, stressed the importance of addressing root causes like vehicle and driver safety rather than cancelling trips outright. Rukchanok highlighted the essential role of field trips in child development, especially for those who might not have other travel opportunities.

 

Rukchanok called for stricter measures on vehicle inspections, driver health, and emergency preparedness education for students, urging authorities to scrutinise these aspects to prevent future tragedies.

 

While St. Anthony Bang Pa-in School has led the way in cancelling its field trip, other institutions may follow suit as parental concerns about safety continue to grow.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-02

 

If they inspected the proposed bus and found it unsafe, poor tyre condition,  no seatbelts & running on NGV then fair enough…..……

 

…. but, I doubt this is nothing more that a knee jerk response with no basis in intelligent reason. 

Another "ban". Lol.

The common, clueless reflex to disaster.

The most feared effect might be any harm to the self-imaged reputation as a "first-class" tourist destination.

Use inspected safe buses and drivers that have been tested safe for school use.

Unfortunately this is knee jerk reaction and all will be forgotten after the funerals. Things will continue as normal in a few weeks.

57 minutes ago, Asquith Production said:

Unfortunately this is knee jerk reaction and all will be forgotten after the funerals. Things will continue as normal in a few weeks.

A very sad but predictable reality…

 

 

My wife’s teenage niece who lives with us went on one for the day yesterday and had a great day returning home safe and sound. Out on a half day trip as we speak now. Why on earth ban them. 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In response to an unforeseen tragedy, St. Anthony Bang Pa-in School in Ayutthaya has cancelled its field trip scheduled for October 9.

 

Better still, maybe stop sending the kids to school?

They may get hurt on the way there.

3 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

Better still, maybe stop sending the kids to school?

They may get hurt on the way there.

 

Indeed.  It's disheartening how little people seem to care for their kids' safety until a tragedy like this happens, and then totally overreact.

If parents are suddenly concerned about the state of vehicles in Thailand, they should cancel all transport to and from the schools.

back to online schooling till all of them busses are inspected and deemed safe...someone will have a good day, maybe they need help carry the brown envelopes