Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The government has announced a temporary easing of restrictions on double-decker buses, allowing them to operate on six previously high-risk routes for a 180-day trial period starting 21 July 2025. However, Route 304, a notoriously dangerous road, remains off-limits due to ongoing safety concerns.

 

Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the Department of Land Transport (DLT), under the Ministry of Transport, is permitting limited operations of double-decker buses under strict safety conditions. The move is part of a broader effort to balance public transportation needs with rigorous safety standards.

 

The six approved routes are:

 

1. Highway 4 — Khao Pub Pha to Phatthalung

2. Highway 103 — Mae Yang Ho to Mae Teeb

3. Highway 118 — Chiang Mai to Doi Nang Kaew

4. Highway 2013 — Bo Pho to Khok Ngam

5. Highway 2331 — Cho Hoa to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

6. Highway 1256 — Pua to Doi Phu Kha National Park

 

Operators wishing to run double-decker buses on these routes must comply with the following strict requirements:

 

1. Vehicle Inspection: Buses must undergo a full inspection by the DLT or a provincial transport office, with emphasis on brake systems (particularly air brakes).

 

2. Driver Training: All drivers must complete a two-hour e-learning course titled “Operating Large Vehicles on Steep Routes”.

 

3. Speed Compliance: Drivers must adhere strictly to posted speed limits throughout their journey.

 

The DLT will closely monitor the trial phase and assess its effectiveness in real time. Additionally, a two-way communication GPS tracking system is being developed to improve monitoring and vehicle control capabilities.

 

Despite the relaxation on these six routes, the ban on Highway 304, the route between Kabin Buri Junction and Wang Nam Khiao, remains firmly in place. The road is widely recognised for its steep gradients, sharp curves and a long history of fatal crashes, particularly involving large vehicles.

 

“The safety of the public is our utmost priority,” Ms. Sasikarn said. “All relaxations are under tight control and will be regularly reviewed based on real-world data to ensure public safety is never compromised.”

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1363983-double-decker-bus-operators-again-protest-ban-on-seven-high-risk-routes/

 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1362946-ministry-of-transport-backs-down-over-double-decker-bus-ban-on-khao-phap-pha-route/

 

 

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

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-14

 

 

 

Bus safety set aside to please owners that operate these buses....I'm sure the "stringent" requirements will all be followed!

Somehow, I suspect trucks and buses in Thailand are not tested or certified for SRT - Static Rollover Threshhold.  

2. Driver Training: All drivers must complete a two-hour e-learning course titled “Operating Large Vehicles on Steep Routes”.

So they aren't good enough to be actually physically tested on the road then.

 

As my wife said when I asked why car and bike drivers aren't tested on the road, as in other countries, rather than round static cones in a car park. "That's too dangerous, they're only learners".

Drivers should be physically tested in the bus on the particular routes, and should only be certified for that bus and that route. 

Obviously those involved in this decision have forgotten about the horrific accident in Bangkok where school kids and teachers perished.

Strict rules are useless unless they’re adhered to. In Thailand that’s debatable.

My family will never travel on these gaudy coffins driven by morons high on yaba.

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

2. Driver Training: All drivers must complete a two-hour e-learning course titled “Operating Large Vehicles on Steep Routes”.

This is the piece that gets me mad!! So, these supposed drivers are going to stay awake, keep off their phones etc whilst watching  safety videos and this will then qualify them to be able to drive on steep routes!!

You just have to be joking DLT!! 
How about a really novel approach and take them out on these routes to instruct on! Oh, I forgot, there are no qualified instructors to do this!

A total recipe for disaster and what will be said after the first accident?? 

 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The government has announced a temporary easing of restrictions on double-decker buses, allowing them to operate on six previously high-risk routes for a 180-day trial period starting 21 July 2025. However, Route 304, a notoriously dangerous road, remains off-limits due to ongoing safety concerns.

Why not have special training for any drivers using these risky routes?

 

And those who have to take that driver training, are they capable enough?

Nothing really changes, just more BS for the gullible Thai public to believe something is being done...

Those deathtrap buses should be outlawed.  And, safety is obviously not the 'utmost priority.' Or, any priority.

Theirs a big surprise. 

 

Thailand.

18 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Why not have special training for any drivers using these risky routes?

 

Jeez!  Read the article, man!

 

These drivers are now required to undergo the strictest and thoroughest of mandatory training!

 

On 7/14/2025 at 3:55 AM, Georgealbert said:

Driver Training: All drivers must complete a two-hour e-learning course titled “Operating Large Vehicles on Steep Routes”.

 

 

10 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

eez!  Read the article, man!

 

These drivers are now required to undergo the strictest and thoroughest of mandatory training!

Two hours of training and you're good to go.... more carnage.