Transport Ministry of Transport Backs Down Over Double-Decker Bus Ban on Khao Phap Pha Route

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Ministry of Transport has agreed to reconsider its controversial ban on double-decker buses travelling along several steep mountain routes, most notably the Khao Phap Pha section of Highway 4 connecting Trang and Phatthalung. The decision follows a large-scale protest by operators and a growing backlash from local businesses and the tourism sector.

 

On 4 June, over 100 double-decker buses assembled at the Andaman Gateway on the Trang-Phatthalung border in protest. Led by the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators (TADBO), the demonstrators submitted a formal petition to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, urging him to revoke a recent Department of Land Transport (DLT) directive banning such vehicles from operating on seven so-called “high-risk” routes across the country.

 

The ban cited safety concerns, specifically prohibiting buses from travelling on roads with gradients exceeding 8% for more than five kilometres or on routes with more than five accidents per year. Khao Phap Pha was included despite, protestors claim, having no history of major accidents and only short stretches of steep incline.

 

The DLT’s decision forced operators to divert via much longer routes through Satun or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, increasing travel time and fuel costs. The move also sparked criticism from local business owners, including hoteliers, restaurant operators and tour agencies, who say the ban threatens to damage the region’s fragile post-pandemic tourism recovery.

 

Protestors also called for the removal of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, who oversees the DLT, and announced plans to file a case with the Administrative Court. There were also calls for criminal charges under Section 157 of the Penal Code, accusing officials of malfeasance for issuing a ban they claim lacks legal basis.

 

In response to the growing pressure, Minister Surapong chaired an urgent meeting on 5 June with representatives from TADBO. It was agreed that a new four-party fact-finding committee would be formed, comprising:

 

1. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport

2. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport

3. The Engineering Institute of Thailand

4. The President of the Thai Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators

 

This committee will re-inspect all seven contested routes, starting with the Khao Phap Pha section on Sunday, 8 June. According to a joint statement, if the route does not meet the criteria set out in the original directive, particularly the required 5km of continuous steep gradient or frequent accidents, the ministry will revoke the ban immediately.

 

Regarding the other six routes, the Ministry will hold further discussions next week to determine safety upgrades or modifications needed before potentially reopening them to double-decker traffic.

 

In light of these developments, TADBO has decided to temporarily suspend its plan to file a court case, stating:

“We are giving the Ministry an opportunity to show sincerity and to correct the issue in a concrete manner. However, if the upcoming inspection of Khao Phap Pha yields no progress or clear direction, we will proceed with legal action without delay.”

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1362718-bus-operators-protest-ministry’s-ban-on-double-decker-coaches-along-‘risky’-routes/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-07

 

 

 

 

[ChrisY1]

That's the perfect outcome....now we wait for the tales of brake failure...people injured....buses running off the road....!

[NE1]

We don't care if people die , we don't want to lose money sort of attitude.

[ozz1]

Just make sure that the driver's are awake and vehicle checks would be a good start