Renewed Calls to Phase Out Double-Decker Buses After Fatal Prachin Buri Crash

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A fresh push to discontinue double-decker buses has emerged following a series of serious road crashes, including a devastating crash in Prachin Buri earlier this week that claimed 19 lives and injured 32 others. The renewed debate also comes in the wake of a bus fire in October last year that resulted in 23 fatalities.

 

Surachai Liengboonlertchai, chairperson of the parliamentary road safety subcommittee, stated that a proposal to ban double-decker buses, first raised in 2016, was revisited in a recent meeting with relevant agencies.

 

He explained that double-decker buses, which exceed four metres in height, pose significant safety risks due to their higher centre of gravity, making them more prone to accidents, especially on sloping or uneven roads. While laws introduced in 2016 prevent the registration of new double-decker buses, between 6,000 and 7,000 older models remain in service, meaning such incidents are likely to continue.

 

Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, added that the Department of Land Transport has already banned double-decker buses from regular public transport. However, around 1,000 chartered buses are still under review for possible cancellation. He noted that any legal changes would take time to implement.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has pledged to review the issue and determine whether the recent accidents were caused by road conditions or the structural design of the buses. He emphasised that the ministry is committed to preventing further tragedies but acknowledged that regulatory changes will be necessary.

 

Surachai also pointed out that road conditions play a crucial role in crashes. The committee noted that the stretch of road where the Prachin Buri crash occurred runs through a national park. If poor road conditions are found to have contributed to the incident, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will be involved in discussions to address infrastructure concerns.

 

The Parliament will coordinate efforts across various agencies and provide recommendations to the government for further action.

 

Experts have long warned of the dangers associated with double-decker buses on Thailand’s roads. Natakorn Phuksuksakul, a civil engineering lecturer at Thammasat University, explained that these vehicles are unsuitable for long-distance travel, particularly on winding and steep routes. Due to their higher centre of gravity, double-decker buses are up to seven times more likely to be involved in crashes compared to single-decker models. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the risk of passenger fatalities is ten times higher.

 

Academics at Thammasat University suggest that double-decker buses should be limited to city tours, where they operate at lower speeds of 30-50 km/h on short, designated routes, as seen in many other countries.

 

While phasing out Thailand’s fleet of over 7,000 double-decker buses would be a complex challenge, experts suggest an initial step could involve stricter safety regulations for non-regular buses, aligning them with those imposed on regular public transport. Potential measures could include reducing speed limits to below 90 km/h, enforcing mandatory rest stops, and restricting double-decker buses to shorter, safer routes.

 

The issue remains under review, with authorities weighing the balance between public safety and the practicality of transitioning away from these high-risk vehicles.

 

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1352898-17-dead-in-bus-crash-on-hillside-road-in-prachinburi/

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

 

[flyingtlger]

Yes, part of the problem is the size and structural designs but I believe most of the problem are caused by the operators. The buses should be fitted with governors or regulators so they can't exceed a certain speed.

There are double decker buses all over the world but you don't hear of horrific accidents such as in Thailand.......

[hotsun]

Fixing symptoms not causes

[bkk6060]

A call for this, a call for that..nothing will change just more carnage and dead people. 

 

[Artisi]

38 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

Yes, part of the problem is the size and structural designs but I believe most of the problem are caused by the operators. The buses should be fitted with governors or regulators so they can't exceed a certain speed.

There are double decker buses all over the world but you don't hear of horrific accidents such as in Thailand.......

Correct how many red London double deckers crashed and killed hundreds during their time in operating. 

[Artisi]

The majority of accidents is the result of the vacuum located between the ears of the drivers. 

[impulse]

2 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

There are double decker buses all over the world but you don't hear of horrific accidents such as in Thailand.......

 

But are they out on the open road?  I don't recall ever seeing a double decker outside of a city, where their speed is limited.  Except in Thailand.   If a London double decker gets into a crash, they don't roll over on a mountain pass.

 

I'll admit that it's fun riding around with a group on a double decker (I've done it on office activities), but they are flimsy.

 

[Aussie999]

2 hours ago, Artisi said:

Correct how many red London double deckers crashed and killed hundreds during their time in operating. 

irreverent, UK buses do not travel the long distances, or at the same high speed, there's also a big difference in driver training, and company policy on hour long a driver can drive.

[BangkokReady]

3 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

The buses should be fitted with governors or regulators so they can't exceed a certain speed.

 

And something to prevent the drivers from taking meth or falling asleep...