Horrific Bus Fire in Thailand Sparks National Debate on Safety

[lordgrinz]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

RTP is the answere.

Then we are doomed before we start.

[john donson]

corruption is the root of evil

 

who allowed the modification... no annual check ? no safety ?  etc...

 

too much work I guess and too much money exchange hands...

 

the excursion did not kill the kids, illegal gas cylinders installed by the bus company did

 

[lordgrinz]

Safety is the last thing on a Thai's mind, look at the carnage and stupidity displayed daily on the roads, sidewalks, and Zebra crossings. The first step is for Thai people to look in the mirror, and visually see who is creating the safety hazards in Thailand, soon as they do that we can start to address the problems.

[Peterphuket]

3 hours ago, factual monk said:

The main issue is of corruption... once the Auth are able to address that, all the things/ issues will automatically get resolved. It will take time but it's for thais to decide now... whether to be part of corruption & negligence or set things straight... 

And then....suddenly you wake up.

It's not going happen, it's deeply ingrained and part of the culture.

The culture of "mai pen rai"

[Chongalulu]

There is simply no real fundamental cultural demand for safety. If there was you would see people taking simple inexpensive measures to protect themselves, like wearing helmets or not drink drive. They get what they deserve...

[terryofcrete]

Sybil Fawlty.. Mastermind... Specialist Subject.  The Bleedin' Obvious!..

which,alas, is beyond the comprehension of many Thais.

[MikeandDow]

1 minute ago, Chongalulu said:

There is simply no real fundamental cultural demand for safety. If there was you would see people taking simple inexpensive measures to protect themselves, like wearing helmets or not drink drive. They get what they deserve...

Bit of a wild statement "There is simply no real fundamental cultural demand for safety" i would try saying that to the victims  It is simply every ones responsibility for safety    

[AboutThaim]

I don't see anyone putting the blame on whoever installed the gas cylinders.  I doubt the bus owner did it himself.  Are installers of gas cylinders trained?  Do they check for leaks after installation?  Do they sign off on paperwork following installation so they can be held accountable?

Obviously there is no, or very little, maintenance done following installation.

I can almost forgive the driver for running away at the sight of the bus entirely engulfed in flames.  The gas must have completely filled the bus and virtually exploded setting everything and everyone alight.  The best fire extinguisher available would not have had any noticeable effect in extinguishing the fire.

Perhaps start with enforcing all these buses must run on diesel instead of gas.

[tpbon]

3 hours ago, factual monk said:

The main issue is of corruption... once the Auth are able to address that, all the things/ issues will automatically get resolved. It will take time but it's for thais to decide now... whether to be part of corruption & negligence or set things straight... 

Anyone convicted of corruption should face a mandatory 25 years in prison. If a death happens because of a bribe was paid, they should be charged as an accomplice to homicide. I know, I'm dreaming.

[Aussie999]

While corruption is endemic, and police are too lazy, most of us accept nothing will change

[sambum]

"................ a heated debate over the safety and viability of school field trips."

 

It's the safety of the transport that is under question - not the field trips. It's just a pity that such a horrific tragedy should have to happen to make the authorities do something about it.

[sambum]

1 hour ago, john donson said:

corruption is the root of evil

 

who allowed the modification... no annual check ? no safety ?  etc...

 

too much work I guess and too much money exchange hands...

 

the excursion did not kill the kids, illegal gas cylinders installed by the bus company did

 

 

"the excursion did not kill the kids, illegal gas cylinders installed by the bus company did" 

 

Well said!

[spidermike007]

A national debate on the issue of safety has to be a positive thing, however the debate should not be about whether or not they should have school field trips, the debate should be about public safety, traffic safety, incredibly corrupt officials within the land transport department, incredibly inept people that are running the country and why they aren't doing anything about this issue, and the ability to get VIP treatment with a small payment to an official who's responsible for determining the safety of a public vehicle. 

 

Sometimes it's necessary to break through the fog in order to get to the real issue that's at stake. 

[ThaiFelix]

Horrific Bus Fire in Thailand Sparks National Debate on Safety

 

What safety?

[kimothai]

Safety and maintenance in the same sentence as Thailand are a perfect example of an oxymoron.  Don't see anything changing in the near future, just more bla, bla, bla.

[thailand49]

What is the saying 

"  The past will be indicative of the future " the outcome will be the same in all due respect and Ive voice this for many years. These group mean will but they all come from the same school of though cant teach what teachers they themselves never learned.

Changes will never come fast enough until they put a outside person or group in charge full power to control, remove anyone who tries or stands in it's way only one person can direct that power!

They wiil take full control of DLT, RTP it has to be s dictatorship anyone who doesnt follow or tries to use their influence is simply removed end of story!

Until that happens it continues to be noise.

 

[Chongalulu]

3 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

3 hours ago, Chongalulu said:

There is simply no real fundamental cultural demand for safety. If there was you would see people taking simple inexpensive measures to protect themselves, like wearing helmets or not drink drive. They get what they deserve...

Bit of a wild statement "There is simply no real fundamental cultural demand for safety" i would try saying that to the victims  It is simply every ones responsibility for safety    

That’s my point exactly. It’s only when they become victims that it dawns on ,then evenly only some ,of them. Why else do they not wear helmets? 

[actonion]

police forensics have found several faults with the buses inspected, especially this one that killed so many, i am wondering if we will get a follow  up on this bus owner, will he be  sent to prison,  will he be fined , busses impounded,? or brown envelopes,  and under the carpet it goes

[Slocum]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Rescuers work at the site of a bus that caught fire, carrying young students with their teachers, in suburban Bangkok, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

In the wake of a horrific bus fire that claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers in Pathum Thani, the nation finds itself embroiled in a heated debate over the safety and viability of school field trips. This tragedy, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day, has shaken communities and brought to the forefront pressing questions about transport policies and safety measures for educational outings. 

 

On the unfortunate day, a bus carrying students from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Uthai Thani was engulfed in flames whilst travelling on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

 

The excursion, aimed at enriching students' knowledge through visits to historical and educational sites, ended in unspeakable loss. An investigation by forensic police revealed that a gas leak, due to a detached fuel line in conjunction with poorly maintained components, was responsible for the fire. Tragically, this glaring oversight highlights the lack of stringent safety checks and protocols for vehicles transporting young passengers.

 

In response, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob acted swiftly, halting all student trips nationwide. He ordered that any future necessary excursions must involve buses undergoing rigorous safety inspections. Additionally, the Minister suggested reconsidering the nature of these trips, particularly advocating for avoiding long-distance travel and involving parents in journeys involving younger students. 

Despite the ministerial intervention, opinions on school trips are divided. On one hand, there are arguments for their educational value, supported by Education Minister Chidchob himself. He emphasised that such experiences are integral to student development and learning, suggesting that outright bans could limit educational opportunities. Instead, Chidchob proposed additional safety measures, including mandatory accident-response drills to better prepare students and teachers for emergencies.

 

On the other hand, experts like Thanapong Jinvong from the Road Safety Group of Thailand have pointed out the systemic flaws in current safety practices. Jinvong calls for the establishment of an independent national body dedicated solely to road safety oversight – an entity that could streamline vehicle inspections and ensure compliance with safety regulations across the board. This proposed central agency would mirror the successful model of Malaysia's Institute of Road Safety Research, offering a repository of expertise to prevent such tragedies.

 

The driver of the ill-fated bus, Samarn Chanphut, faced charges after surrendering to the authorities, underscoring the urgent need for more responsible management of school transportation services. Among other proposals is a call for the Land Transport Department to tighten rules governing commercial driving licences, guaranteeing that drivers are adequately trained in handling emergencies.

 

Public reaction has been one of collective mourning and calls for accountability. Parents and advocacy groups demand justice for the victims and immediate reforms to prevent future calamities.

 

A newly purchased football is kept near the coffin of one of the victims of the school bus fire by father Wichan Seubsaichan, at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Furthermore, the tragedy has prompted political efforts to introduce a public safety bill in parliament, backed by influential figures such as Suchatvee Suwansawat. If enacted, this legislation would establish a dedicated committee on public safety with a mandate to improve safety protocols and enforce compliance.

 

While the tragedy has initiated this crucial discourse, many believe that the solution lies not in curtailing educational trips but in robust policy reform and enforcement. Increased scrutiny and improvement in public bus safety standards are imperative, as is better training for both drivers and students on emergency protocols.

 

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding young lives, prompting a pivotal moment for change in transport safety across the nation. As grief envelopes communities, the hope remains that decisive action can prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that educational excursions remain safe and enriching experiences for all students, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-10-07

 

You don't have to wait for a big Sad  tragedy....than go to national debate.... it's all about "Busy over nothing" ....These are basic simple public safety standard... implemented by all nation and a proper follow Thru. Is required...You can sit down, debate until the Cows comes home...nothing big or much is going to happen...unless there is a total cultural shift....More episode and dramas coming along the way...

[james2m]

8 hours ago, Fortunateson said:

Why not simply enforce existing laws?  

Existing laws hold these ancient frankenbusses to much lower safety standards than newer busses because their chassis are ancient. If the law was changed to hold these chop shop products to the same standards as newer busses there would be a lot less of them on the roads.

[radiochaser]

My wife is in Thailand right now.   I just spoke with her..  She says the government has pulled the bus company's license to operate.

[MikeandDow]

52 minutes ago, actonion said:

police forensics have found several faults with the buses inspected, especially this one that killed so many, i am wondering if we will get a follow  up on this bus owner, will he be  sent to prison,  will he be fined , busses impounded,? or brown envelopes,  and under the carpet it goes

You will never hear any more !! example did you hear anything about the Tunnel collapse killing three guys NO !! once out of the press that's it nothing all quite back to normal

[MikeandDow]

25 minutes ago, james2m said:

Existing laws hold these ancient frankenbusses to much lower safety standards than newer busses because their chassis are ancient. If the law was changed to hold these chop shop products to the same standards as newer busses there would be a lot less of them on the roads.

Thailand's gradual introduction over the past 15 years of regulations for bus safety laid out by the UNECE, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, a body responsible for establishing international standards in many areas. But application of these rules have been slow and piecemeal.

“The problem is most of the manufacturers in Thailand cannot reach that standard,”

“Also, the regulations only apply to new buses.

There are No regulations on old buses any unqualified backyard mechanic can do anything they want and its not against the law  even the most western standards for checking CNG  is Not a pressure test as you would expect its only visual Inspection surprised me as a mechanical QA/QC manager

[JimHuaHin]

What a distressing read; especially the posts from people, life myself, who have lived in Thailand for 10+ years and have been visiting Thailand for more than 50 years.

 

Nothing changes, as the rich and powerful will ensure that any changes which do take place will not disadvantage them in any way.

 

I recently read an academic article by two Thai academics about "contract farmers" and a powerful agribusiness company.  The company concerned pressured Thai law makers to "weaken" the draft law on the rights of the contract farmers; when they only partially succeeded in weakening the law, the company then pressured the relevant government department to not enforce the new laws.  Result - farmers' poverty increased, the company got richer. TIT.

 

Of course, the company cannot be named, due to Thai defamation laws (which contravene the "Western" understanding of "defamation").

 

Want to change the system?  Learn from the experiences of the Move Forward Party and the Future Forward Party - if you are lucky, you have a warning to stop pushing for change, if not, then there is time in prison, and, if that does not change your attitude, finally death (sorry, I mean you disappear).

 

When the cancers of corruption and cronyism extend from the top to the bottom of a society, there is no treatment, no cure, only a slow painful death.

 

 

[VBF]

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

12 hours ago, webfact said:

In the wake of a horrific bus fire that claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers in Pathum Thani, the nation finds itself embroiled in a heated debate over the safety and viability of school field trips.

There is nothing wrong with continuing school field trips, the problem that officials, government ministers and the Land Transport Department  finds hard to understand is the safety of vehicles on the roads and the competency of it's drivers.

Exactly!

They seem to swing from one extreme to another - the obvious corruption and carelessness that is the cause of this tragedy, then say:

 

"Additionally, the Minister suggested reconsidering the nature of these trips, particularly advocating for avoiding long-distance travel and involving parents in journeys involving younger students."

 

But if existing laws were enforced with tough punishments for those who break them, then school trips could continue in safety as they do in many other countries.

[MikeandDow]

9 minutes ago, VBF said:

Exactly!

They seem to swing from one extreme to another - the obvious corruption and carelessness that is the cause of this tragedy, then say:

 

"Additionally, the Minister suggested reconsidering the nature of these trips, particularly advocating for avoiding long-distance travel and involving parents in journeys involving younger students."

 

But if existing laws were enforced with tough punishments for those who break them, then school trips could continue in safety as they do in many other countries.

Correct Thailand has lots of Specification, laws, and Safety Protocols That is Not the problem it is lack of enforcement and lack of education in the implementation  nobody want to know !!!

[VBF]

6 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Correct Thailand has lots of Specification, laws, and Safety Protocols That is Not the problem it is lack of enforcement and lack of education in the implementation  nobody want to know !!!

Plus, if a junior technician finds an issue and reports it to his / her boss, and the boss is "on the take" that's the end of the complaint.

Thai people would rarely if ever go over the boss's  head to the authorities