Thai Officials Face Probe Over Fatal School Bus Inferno

[webfact]

 

In a sobering turn of events, a deadly school bus fire that claimed the lives of 23 individuals, including students and teachers from Uthai Thani, is now the subject of a comprehensive investigation involving multiple government agencies in Thailand.

 

The tragic event occurred on October 1 during a field trip, prompting a thorough inquiry into the series of approvals and inspections that preceded the disaster.

 

The Central Investigation Bureau's Deputy Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, has disclosed that the probe is delving into the possible negligence and complicity of government officials.

 

The investigation, spearheaded by the Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), suggests that various state bodies could face legal action for their roles in the tragedy.

PACC Secretary-General Phumwisan Kasemsuk has stated that officials responsible for permitting conditions that led to the incident may be held accountable.

 

While specific details are withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation, there is a strong commitment to pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

 

Senator Alongkot Worawi has independently lodged a complaint with the police's Anti-Corruption Police Division, specifically targeting the Singburi Provincial Transport Office and the engineers responsible for inspecting the ill-fated bus.

 

Central to his concerns is the adequacy of the technical examination, particularly the installation of the gas tanks. The senator has suggested that negligence in this area may have contributed to the fire, calling for an expanded investigation into the transport officials' potential liability.

 

As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on holding accountable those whose actions, or lack thereof, might have contributed to a preventable tragedy, shining a spotlight on the critical need for enhanced safety measures in public transport, reported TNA and Pattaya Mail.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-10-22

 

 

[Mburo]

About time somebody was held accountable.

[Zack61]

Some pooing of pants I suspect. Let’s see how far this progresses before it’s brushed under the rug. 

[leonard beaven]

Believe it,If we ever see it.

[kiwikeith]

3 minutes ago, Mburo said:

About time somebody was held accountable.

 

3 minutes ago, Mburo said:

About time somebody was held accountable.

Using 50 year old busses loaded with ilegally installed gas cylinders is man slaughter or murder

1 minute ago, Zack61 said:

Some pooing of pants I suspect. Let’s see how far this progresses before it’s brushed under the rug. 

This might depend on the bickering of how fat your envelope is

[ronster]

Let's hope the probing is the same type as cartman from south park got from the aliens .

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

No doubt that some people that are culpable, along with a few additional scapegoats, will be made an extreme example of, while this terrible incident is fresh in the collective memory; however, I very much doubt if these examples will do anything to change the culture of corruption that gave birth to this appalling tragedy.

 

 

[Classic Ray]

What about all the other officers in other districts responsible for similar misdeeds? 
 

Many other buses were found to be faulty in the first round of inspections, not all from this one office. 
 

Unfortunately with the endemic corruption in many government agencies, I am sure this will be contained to blame a few lowly officials if any.

 

My children will never be allowed to travel on a CNG/LPG powered bus and I advise all other parents to make the same decision. Hopefully this will stop this hazardous practice.

[Cereal]

Such soft language. Negligence is clear and someone, somewhere, gave it the stamp of approval. 

[Sydebolle]

Due to the subject itself I am not taking any bets on it - but rest assured that this story will disappear like all the other "inconveniences". 

The education minister should be reprimanded to instruct no school excursions anymore. Reason behind is, that his own brother was Transport Minister 2019-2023 and hence is the top banana to face the music. Next is the responsible desks in the Ministry of Transport for not blowing any whistles, the various branches of the Department of Land Transport issuing roadworthiness certificates to those coffins on wheels. Then take the bus owners and operators to the cleaners and don't forget those countless garages which did the conversions. 

Fill the jails to the rim, fine them until they scream of pain and use this money for educational purposes of what proper rules are and the compensation of medical bills etc. Revoke transportation licenses for those bus owners and operators for life, publish their names and photos and then only I might start believing all that manure which fills the dailies here with all those "governmental endeavours to the betterment of the conditions of its people" - including bus transportation. 

[new2here]

1 hour ago, Zack61 said:

Some pooing of pants I suspect. Let’s see how far this progresses before it’s brushed under the rug. 

 I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. 

 

It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one” 

[kwilco]

THe sad thing about this "probe" is it seems to be concentrating on this single incident - what needs to be examines to the WHOLE system.  

It requires massive reform and even constitutional reform as it brings into question the functioning of institutions like the police and civil service - such basics as how they see their roles.

[kwilco]

9 minutes ago, new2here said:

 I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. 

 

It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one” 

Scapegoating and the "blame game" as ever avoids the real issues.

[new2here]

5 minutes ago, kwilco said:

Scapegoating and the "blame game" as ever avoids the real issues.

i don’t disagree.. unfortunately given the depth and breadth of the investigation (as reported) there’s lots of “room” for a suitable person/people - to be found guilty of dereliction of duty if you will.  

[richard_smith237]

55 minutes ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

No doubt that some people that are culpable, along with a few additional scapegoats, will be made an extreme example of, while this terrible incident is fresh in the collective memory; however, I very much doubt if these examples will do anything to change the culture of corruption that gave birth to this appalling tragedy.

 

 

 

 

- Someone in a position of authority at the school was responsible for hiring the bus company - was any due diligence carried out checking service records etc ? or did they just go for the cheapest option, no questions asked. 

 

- Either a valid inspection was carried out (every 6 months) and the modifications were made after the latest inspection - in which case the owner is responsible. 

 

- Or, a valid inspection was carried out, but that inspection was 'faked' or 'poorly carried out' and missed the retrofitted tanks (or was paid to ignore them) - in which case, inspectors and owner is responsible. 

 

 

 

 

[Spock]

9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

- Someone in a position of authority at the school was responsible for hiring the bus company - was any due diligence carried out checking service records etc ? or did they just go for the cheapest option, no questions asked. 

 

- Either a valid inspection was carried out (every 6 months) and the modifications were made after the latest inspection - in which case the owner is responsible. 

 

- Or, a valid inspection was carried out, but that inspection was 'faked' or 'poorly carried out' and missed the retrofitted tanks (or was paid to ignore them) - in which case, inspectors and owner is responsible. 

 

 

 

 

As an ex secondary teacher, I cannot agree that a person at the school should be held responsible for the selection of the bus company. Nor do I imagine that a teacher would be given any details of the age of the bus or fuel system used. Maybe the education department could appoint people with some expertise and time to devote to short listing bus companies that meet minimum requirements, but to suggest that an individual at the school is at fault is I think extremely unfair. 

 

Can I also suggest that a number of videos I have seen online of Thai school children in buses suggests practices not conducive to safe transport of children - dancing and standing in the aisles and singing loudly would do little for the concentration of the driver on the task at hand. Thai children need be sat in seats and remain there for the course of the journey.

[Sig]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the probe is delving into the possible negligence and complicity of government officials.

"possible"? How about the "obvious". It's not possible, it is obvious. The only question is: Who exactly are the people whose heads need to roll?
 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

various state bodies could face legal action for their roles in the tragedy.

Nobody cares if a "state body" would face legal action. Not a whit. Specific heads need to roll. Personal responsibility is the only way this crap will ever end.
 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

officials responsible for permitting conditions that led to the incident may be held accountable.

🤣😂🤣😂
If you believe that, DM me about a bridge I have for sale in Brooklyn!
Unless the "official" is some lowly inspector at some bus inspection place....
Not that I think inspectors are lowly in their person or even position. I'm speaking in relative terms, compared to the levels this needs to go on a genocidal hunt for. (I shouldn't need to explain, but with the insane level of woke idiocy these days, I should mention that I am speaking with metaphoric hyperbole and not calling for violence)
 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

specific details are withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation

Like major CYA operations....
"integrity"? I don't think they know what that word even means.
 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on holding accountable those whose actions, or lack thereof, might have contributed to a preventable tragedy

Yeah... investigations continue... I recall particular "investigations" that have continued so vigorously, for years, regarding a wealthy heir killing a policeman, all the while he dodges justice as he enjoys his elite lifestyle hopping around the globe to anywhere except Thailand.... yep the investigations continue...

NOTHING is to be believed until these corrupt criminals masquerading as elite and important people are removed from society and spend some years in prison.
 

[thaichiro]

Any more room at the “inactive post”?

[Heavy Metal]

40 minutes ago, new2here said:

 I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. 

 

It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one” 

Thaksin is the person who called for all the buses to use Compressed Gas as he had shares in the companies providing the products. This tragedy would not have occurred if he hadn't been so intent on lining his pockets and bugger the consequences. Thaksin is at the pinnacle of responsibility for this tragedy and must be held responsible.

[Aussie999]

2 hours ago, Mburo said:

About time somebody was held accountable.

It hasn't yet happened,  hope we get to follow the progress. 

[Matrosen]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

 

In a sobering turn of events, a deadly school bus fire that claimed the lives of 23 individuals, including students and teachers from Uthai Thani, is now the subject of a comprehensive investigation involving multiple government agencies in Thailand.

 

The tragic event occurred on October 1 during a field trip, prompting a thorough inquiry into the series of approvals and inspections that preceded the disaster.

 

The Central Investigation Bureau's Deputy Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, has disclosed that the probe is delving into the possible negligence and complicity of government officials.

 

The investigation, spearheaded by the Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), suggests that various state bodies could face legal action for their roles in the tragedy.

 

PACC Secretary-General Phumwisan Kasemsuk has stated that officials responsible for permitting conditions that led to the incident may be held accountable.

 

While specific details are withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation, there is a strong commitment to pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

 

Senator Alongkot Worawi has independently lodged a complaint with the police's Anti-Corruption Police Division, specifically targeting the Singburi Provincial Transport Office and the engineers responsible for inspecting the ill-fated bus.

 

Central to his concerns is the adequacy of the technical examination, particularly the installation of the gas tanks. The senator has suggested that negligence in this area may have contributed to the fire, calling for an expanded investigation into the transport officials' potential liability.

 

As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on holding accountable those whose actions, or lack thereof, might have contributed to a preventable tragedy, shining a spotlight on the critical need for enhanced safety measures in public transport, reported TNA and Pattaya Mail.

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

-- 2024-10-22

 

 

So some corrupt people gained a few thousand baht on the cost of 23 human lives, a bus & its gains.

Where is the logic thinking in return of investment?

GREED!

[richard_smith237]

57 minutes ago, Spock said:

As an ex secondary teacher, I cannot agree that a person at the school should be held responsible for the selection of the bus company. Nor do I imagine that a teacher would be given any details of the age of the bus or fuel system used. Maybe the education department could appoint people with some expertise and time to devote to short listing bus companies that meet minimum requirements, but to suggest that an individual at the school is at fault is I think extremely unfair. 

 

I suspect expectations vary.

 

As a parent paying a lot of money for school fee's I have certain expectations and the primary expectation I have is for the safety of my child - I don't think this expectation should be any different for 'free' (state schools)..... 

... I fully expect the mini-vans and busses used by my Son's school to undergo regular inspections (along with the drivers)...

 

I expect the school - those in positions of decision making authority to be responsible for the safety standards of any vehicle in which my son travels on school related business (i.e. school trips / sports tournaments etc).

 

Example:

a) Teacher gets in the mini-van with the kids - the seatbelts are not working, teacher ignores the issue... IMO - the teacher fully responsible and accountable, as is the school, bus company and driver. 

b) Mini-can home (after school) - Seatbelts not working, bus driver and bus-monitor ignore the issue...

IMO - the bus company, driver and bus-monitor are filly responsible and accountable.

 

----------------

 

I once interviewed with a school in Thailand (known name)... I asked who is responsible for transport safety on school transport - The response was unprofessional, they response was a very simple... "we outsource"... Question not answered, I asked who carries out safety checks and ensures the busses are safe to use, have seatbelts etc... the answer... again... "we outsource - the bus company is responsible for all that"....   I got up and left... no need for any further discussion.

 

 

57 minutes ago, Spock said:

Can I also suggest that a number of videos I have seen online of Thai school children in buses suggests practices not conducive to safe transport of children - dancing and standing in the aisles and singing loudly would do little for the concentration of the driver on the task at hand. Thai children need be sat in seats and remain there for the course of the journey.

 

Some schools yes - where the bus monitor is lazy (or there isn't one and ignored).

I know that when my son goes on a school trip, the busses he  goes on have to use 3 point seatbelts which they have to use, and this is checked by the attending teachers - also the school does not allow transport in vehicles that have been altered to CNG / LPG etc.

As far as Daily Home-School-home transport is concerned - the bus monitor is accountable, and I see kids in those vans buckled up.

 

 

 

In short - I don't believe the school should be able to shrug off their responsibility - there are of course aspects that they can't possibly know... but for the most part the school should run a basic QCQC of the vehicle, check the tyres, seat belt function etc... 

 

 

 

[it is what it is]

3 hours ago, Mburo said:

About time somebody was held accountable.

 

ah, don't assume, accountability will be the result of a comprehensive investigation, quite the opposite is equally, or possibly more likely, to be the result.

[richard_smith237]

11 minutes ago, it is what it is said:

ah, don't assume, accountability will be the result of a comprehensive investigation, quite the opposite is equally, or possibly more likely, to be the result.

 

Sadly, I agree with you....  This will either be pinned on a scapegoat while those truly accountable (inspectors and business owners will be overlooked)... 

 

While I hate to generalise, in this situation I must - Thai Authorities are not interested in accountability, they are only interested in 'making a situation disappear as quickly as possible' 

[BangkokReady]

1 hour ago, thaichiro said:

Any more room at the “inactive post”?

 

People only gett sent to inactive posts until their crime is forgotten.

[BangkokReady]

No doubt someone should be up on charges of Corporate Manslaughter.  But we know it is very unlikely that anyone will be severely punished.

[BusyB]

1 hour ago, Spock said:

As an ex secondary teacher, I cannot agree that a person at the school should be held responsible for the selection of the bus company. Nor do I imagine that a teacher would be given any details of the age of the bus or fuel system used. Maybe the education department could appoint people with some expertise and time to devote to short listing bus companies that meet minimum requirements, but to suggest that an individual at the school is at fault is I think extremely unfair. 

 

Can I also suggest that a number of videos I have seen online of Thai school children in buses suggests practices not conducive to safe transport of children - dancing and standing in the aisles and singing loudly would do little for the concentration of the driver on the task at hand. Thai children need be sat in seats and remain there for the course of the journey.

 

Quite apart from what happens if the driver has to slam on the anchors.

 

And yes, I think it's unreasonable/impossible for teachers to be expected to carry out the inspections and investigations for which entire government departments have supposedly been set up.

[off road pat]

2 hours ago, new2here said:

 I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. 

 

It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one” 

Hmm,.. One will be not enough,.... there will be a lot more, medium and Low levels that will be found guilty.

[Andycoops]

As tragic as the accident waiting to happen was, unfortunately this is a nationwide problem of corruption, where people pay officials to circumvent the law.

 

Only recently a farang friend of mine was inticed to paying a kerbside 'fee' of 4000 baht or go to the police station, where he was told he would be overnight...

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, Andycoops said:

As tragic as the accident waiting to happen was, unfortunately this is a nationwide problem of corruption, where people pay officials to circumvent the law.

 

Only recently a farang friend of mine was inticed to paying a kerbside 'fee' of 4000 baht or go to the police station, where he was told he would be overnight...

 

Drinking ???