Outrage Over Traffic Chaos as Thai Road Closes for Ceremony Honoring Bus Fire Victims

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand witnessed heavy traffic congestion yesterday after Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road was closed to hold a merit-making ceremony for the 23 victims of a tragic bus fire. This decision sparked criticism due to its impact on the already busy road.

 

The tragedy occurred on October 1, when a bus carrying students and teachers from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School caught fire during a field trip, resulting in one of this year's deadliest road accidents.

 

Yesterday, November 25, the ceremony took place at the site of the tragedy, attended by families, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and other officials. The atmosphere was somber as grieving parents struggled with their loss.

 

 

The road closure lasted from midnight until noon, as the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Office had informed the public on November 22. Despite the notice, drivers faced significant disruptions, with some not receiving the information or unable to find alternative routes.

 

Critics argued that the timing and location were inappropriate, suggesting that a less busy venue or a weekend event would have minimized commuter disruption on a typically busy Monday morning.

 

In response to the backlash, ceremony organizers explained their choice. Residents expressed unease following the fire and insisted the event be held there to bring good fortune back to the road. Traditional beliefs also suggested that the souls of the deceased would only find peace if the ceremony happened where the tragedy occurred.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-26

 

 

[Homburg]

9 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Critics argued that the timing and location were inappropriate

 

Hey unnamed critics, please show some respect.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, Homburg said:

 

Hey unnamed critics, please show some respect.

The accident, tragic as it was is a daily occurrence on Thai roads.

The masses quickly get over it and move on with their lives, the exception being the immediate families of the victims.

Thais will not tolerate any hindrance to their daily work/schedules, no matter the reason.

Sad but true.

 

[Thingamabob]

Not a good idea to locate a memorial service on one of Thailand's busiest roads. 

[Aussie999]

Is this saying it's the road's fault.

Logic would say, ban/close the bus company,  after fining it heavily. 

[Gandtee]

4 hours ago, Homburg said:

 

Hey unnamed critics, please show some respect.

Hey organizers, show some common sense.

[Classic Ray]

In the West, people tie bunches of flowers to lampposts on the footpaths at the scene of fatalities.

 

Couldn’t  the ceremony have been held on the footpath without disrupting everyone else? Or shut the road for a few minutes to honour the dead, not twelve hours.

[daveAustin]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Residents expressed unease following the fire and insisted the event be held there to bring good fortune back to the road.

Thais really need to get beyond this kind of thinking. It was the worst kind of avoidable accident with tragic loss, but causing numerous people to be stressed and inconvenienced in such a manner is not the way to go about things.

[daveAustin]

5 hours ago, Homburg said:

 

Hey unnamed critics, please show some respect.

For sure, but how would you feel if you missed an important hospital appointment, meeting, flight etc? 

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This decision sparked criticism due to its impact on the already busy road.

 

Personally, I would have brought Bangkok to a complete standstill in memory and respect for those unfortunate young school kids and their teachers.

Up yours the critics! (from a country bumpkin)

Edited 2 hours ago by Burma Bill
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