Transport Bus Operators Protest Ministry’s Ban on Double-Decker Coaches Along ‘Risky’ Routes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A major protest erupted on 4 June, at the Andaman Gateway along the Khao Phap Pha route, as over 100 double-decker buses from across southern Thailand gathered to demonstrate against a controversial government order banning such vehicles from travelling on seven mountainous routes nationwide.

 

The demonstration, led by the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association, was sparked by the Department of Land Transport’s (DLT) directive to prohibit double-decker coaches, both for scheduled and chartered services, from using specific roads deemed hazardous due to steep gradients. The order took effect on 1 June for scheduled buses, while non-scheduled services have been under the ban since 11 April.

 

One of the most contentious routes on the list is the scenic Khao Phap Pha–Phatthalung stretch along Highway 4, which connects Trang and Phatthalung provinces. Operators argue that the ban has forced them to reroute journeys by over 100 kilometres via Satun or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, causing immense financial losses. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops along the affected routes, have also joined calls for the government to revoke the order.

 

Protesters claim that the order was issued hastily, without due consultation or supporting accident data. According to Mr Suriya Klaewthanong, President of the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association, the ruling fails to meet the DLT’s own criteria for defining hazardous routes, which require a sustained 8% gradient over at least five kilometres and a minimum of five serious accidents per year. By contrast, Khao Phap Pha’s steepest section measures no more than one kilometre and has not seen any reported double-decker bus accidents since its upgrade.

 

“Despite the gradient, this route has never had an accident involving a double-decker,” said Mr Suriya. “The ban was rushed through in just 10 days, instead of the usual 30–60 days required to study impact. It’s legally flawed and appears to be a publicity move ahead of the Songkran festival.”

 

Banners displayed at the protest denounced the Deputy Transport Minister, Mr Surapong Piyachote, who oversees the DLT. Slogans included “No to the 7-route ban”, “No to dictatorship orders”, and “Unfit for office”. The protesters also criticised the DLT Director-General for failing to engage stakeholders and accused him of exceeding his authority.

 

At 10:00, Vice Governors of Trang and Phatthalung provinces arrived to receive a petition addressed to Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. In a heated exchange, protesters claimed that the ban originated from a recommendation by the Phatthalung transport office, which they say provided misleading data on road steepness. Officials from Trang argued that their province bore the brunt of the economic fallout and called for a mutual review between the two provinces.

 

Mr Wipongsak Mongkolbutr, Deputy Chair of the Association, warned that legal action was imminent. “The announcement does not meet legal standards and violates the rights of operators and local communities. We will petition the Administrative Court on 6 June for an injunction. If the order is ruled unlawful, we will pursue damages through civil court.”

 

He also dismissed claims that double-decker buses were inherently unsafe, citing government data that showed fewer accidents involving them compared to single-decker buses, reportedly three times fewer.

 

The protest ended peacefully, under tight security by police and provincial authorities who managed traffic flow around the protest site. Officials promised to escalate the petition to the national level for further consideration.

 

If the ministry fails to address concerns, the association vowed to escalate protests by sending convoys of buses into Bangkok in the coming days.

 

Seven routes where the ban on double-decker buses applies:

 

1. Prachin Buri: Highway 304, Kabin Buri – Wang Nam Khiao

2. Phatthalung: Highway 4, Khao Phap Pha – Phatthalung

3. Phrae: Highway 103, Mae Yang Ho – Mae Teep

4. Chiang Mai: Highway 118, Chiang Mai – Doi Nang Kaew

5. Loei: Highway 2013, Bo Pho – Khok Ngam

6. Phetchabun: Highway 2331, Cho Hoa – Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

7. Nan: Highway 1256, Pua – Doi Phu Kha National Park

 

Operators who violate the ban face fines of up to 50,000 baht.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-05

 

 

 

[JoePai]

Should ban all of them, death traps 

[KhunBENQ]

5 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Should ban all of them, death traps 

So many killed over the years.

Once I witnessed the remains of terrible accident on 304 downhill where about 14 young students were killed. Bus wreck still hanging on the side. I stopped and walked around and seeing these little plastic sandals, rucksacks, toys etc. is oppressive.

These vehicles from the backyard workshops have nothing to do on the road.

[Emdog]

"Hey, we can crash single decker buses just as well as the double deckers!"

[watchcat]

31 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Should ban all of them, death traps 

 

Including minivans....

[Watawattana]

Let them stay on the road.  Then if there's a crash involving one then it's B100k & a month in jail for every injured person, B1m & a year for every death.  For every employee in the bus company.

[still kicking]

7 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Including minivans....

Better not, I'll take one tomorrow from Ratchaburi to Chiang Mai 

[watchcat]

2 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Better not, I'll take one tomorrow from Ratchaburi to Chiang Mai 

 

Cross yoour fingers.

[still kicking]

Just now, watchcat said:

 

Cross yoour fingers.

He is a safe driver, we use him all the time

[jvs]

I don't think the busses are to blame.

Combination of pushy bus companies and drivers with no proper training or under pressure to be somewhere on time.

Sure some of the busses are unsafe but that can be prevented and fixed.

Drugs are also in the picture sometimes.

Why protest?

Same as the bike taxi protesting the use of helmets,it is the law and it has been for a long time!

A well maintained bus with a sober qualified driver is what is needed to avoid accidents

Easy to do but the greedy companies want it all ,abide by the law and you will not have these problems.

Regular safety checks for the vehicles and on announced drug and alcohol test for the drivers.

I see so many badly maintained busses and trucks,i am surprised not more accidents happen.

[peter zwart]

Given the 'quality of the brakes and the majority of drivers here,' I do think it's better to take these buses off the road. It's a matter of risk management.

[FlorC]

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Seven routes where the ban on double-decker buses applies:

 

1. Prachin Buri: Highway 304, Kabin Buri – Wang Nam Khiao

2. Phatthalung: Highway 4, Khao Phap Pha – Phatthalung

3. Phrae: Highway 103, Mae Yang Ho – Mae Teep

4. Chiang Mai: Highway 118, Chiang Mai – Doi Nang Kaew

5. Loei: Highway 2013, Bo Pho – Khok Ngam

6. Phetchabun: Highway 2331, Cho Hoa – Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

7. Nan: Highway 1256, Pua – Doi Phu Kha National Park

I'm sure there must be more than these 7.

Many mountain roads like some pieces of the 11 in Phrae/Lampang going to Chiang Mai.