Thailand's bus operators risk passenger safety for profits: expert

[lockman]

In all fairness, however, How would bus operators fit axles wider than 2.5 meters on buses on most Thai roadways? Most are usually hanging over into the other lane if on a 4 lane roadway, or trying to fit between the motorcyclists , small tractors, carts, etc and oncoming traffic already. Now as far a height, that should be reduced somewhat, as well as making every other window of auto type glass that shatters on both decks. Reducing seating?? Guess you've never been on a double decker that out of any room, including standing room. May be illegal, but until ALL police ar required to enforce traffic laws, etc, nothing will change.

[Mudcrab]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

[mca]

Bus operators risk passenger safety for profits: expert

Surely it should read " Bus operators risk passenger safety for profits: the man in the street, his granny and their pet dog and goldfish"

[hellodolly]

Being a Thai academic with "outside the box" real critical thinking must be the loneliest perhaps most frustrating job in the world. Society is typically apathetically unaware/numb and government/police; well you already know about them.

"academic with "outside the box" real critical thinking"

Now there is a real contradiction of terms.

Such a person would be very interesting.

[allalong]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

where to start but what NONSENSE

[harrry]

Every rule under the sun.

Zero enforcement

A company with permanent representation in the accident statistics is the Transport Co, which operates directly under the Transport Ministry. One of the senior officials in the Ministry of Transport made ​​the following comment on the situation:

"We are aware of the need for security, because it is our own business. We cannot really hurt yourself, "he said as he to the frequent passenger bus accident was questioned. This is a mockery!

The Transport Co maintains the largest intercity bus services in the country and gives concessions to private companies offering similar services. In reality, they compete with each other to attract passengers, especially on some popular routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai. The state agency conducts directly all the drivers, as well as the technical condition of the buses. And right there lays the problem! For a few baht under the table, these companies get the most horrible gout gondolas through the "inspection ceremony" of the ministry.

I am sure at a point the transport company was a government company offering bus services owning their own fleet. And then someone came up with the idea that there wasn't enough money in that, so they came up with contracting privateers to run it for a fee. And the mess began.

Private business protected by government licence. Lovely business if you can get it.

THe Transport Company was a company started by the Government to clean up the busses not by regulating it but driving the one bus cowboys out of business. They imported a huge fleet of brand new mercedes busses and ran an excellent product with sections of them leased out to private companies with conditions on maintainance driving hours etc.

It had a huge effect. Many cowboys moved out an the better ones eithewr leased under control or imported their own new busses and provided good service too as no one would use the cowboys. WOrked well for many years with a huge decrease of accident rate etc but after about 20 years the need got fogotten and freedom reigned.

[hellodolly]

We all know this. Big question is - where does this blatant disregard for people's safety and must make as much possible money at all costs mentality come from?

They picked it up from the western countries. The only difference is the laws were changed in the western countries and the bus companies had to obey them. Payoffs got them no where. They can change their laws here but there will be no enforcement..

It would be nice if one could check and see if the various companies were living up to good standards. I am very sure their are a few out there. Also put the drivers through a rigorous driving course. That also would make a big difference. Get the government involved. We know they don't enforce traffic laws but make the BIB start doing it on the buses as their are many lives involved in each accident.

The last buss accident was not the fault of the bus. But there are valid arguments that can be put forth as to the safety of the bus after the accident in relationship to getting out of it. Never know if they would have made a difference or not. But they could still make it easier in future cases.

<deleted>? The western countries & developed countries didn't influence the lack of enforcement here. There are accidents for sure, but there are a lot of preventative measures & attempts, laws enforced, and they happen in much less amounts than here..additionally, they serve as a lesson and case study when they happen abroad......not to be repeated again and again.. How did Thais 'pick up disregard for people's lives' in the form of transportation from the west?

Like I said in the article the west was no different until the Government stepped in and made them upgrade their equipment. I also said in the west they enforce it where as here they don't. The west changed here they didn't. they just stayed the same. I don't have the figures but I bet originally it was all west tour companies and Thailand is good at copying so they started doing it also.

Read the whole post and read what it says not just what you want to believe.

[hellodolly]

A frequent sight is ten or more of these illegal buses speeding in close convoy in the overtaking lane with a police escort car leading in front! They bulldoze other vehicles out of the way to get their precious cargo of civil servants/boy scouts/ students to their destination a few minutes early.

Bull

In 7 years I have never seen it once much less frequently.

While I am talking to you I own this very profitable bridge in New York city I could let you have it cheap.

[Mudcrab]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

where to start but what NONSENSE

How so?

[harrry]

A frequent sight is ten or more of these illegal buses speeding in close convoy in the overtaking lane with a police escort car leading in front! They bulldoze other vehicles out of the way to get their precious cargo of civil servants/boy scouts/ students to their destination a few minutes early.

Bull

In 7 years I have never seen it once much less frequently.

While I am talking to you I own this very profitable bridge in New York city I could let you have it cheap.

Well you do not get out much. Whenever my niece's school goes for an outing such as to Chiang Mai

They travel in a fleet of them escorted front and rear by police and travel at speeds I consider much too high. Anyone here can get a poloicde escort by paying and many firms and individuals do for celebratory trips and company parties or conferences.

[Thai at Heart]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

I would be happy with them simply complying with Thai law as written in the OP.

If they stuck to those written up in the OP, the buses would be considerably safer, no need for any foreign influence whatsoever.

[gemini81]

We all know this. Big question is - where does this blatant disregard for people's safety and must make as much possible money at all costs mentality come from?

They picked it up from the western countries. The only difference is the laws were changed in the western countries and the bus companies had to obey them. Payoffs got them no where. They can change their laws here but there will be no enforcement..

It would be nice if one could check and see if the various companies were living up to good standards. I am very sure their are a few out there. Also put the drivers through a rigorous driving course. That also would make a big difference. Get the government involved. We know they don't enforce traffic laws but make the BIB start doing it on the buses as their are many lives involved in each accident.

The last buss accident was not the fault of the bus. But there are valid arguments that can be put forth as to the safety of the bus after the accident in relationship to getting out of it. Never know if they would have made a difference or not. But they could still make it easier in future cases.

<deleted>? The western countries & developed countries didn't influence the lack of enforcement here. There are accidents for sure, but there are a lot of preventative measures & attempts, laws enforced, and they happen in much less amounts than here..additionally, they serve as a lesson and case study when they happen abroad......not to be repeated again and again.. How did Thais 'pick up disregard for people's lives' in the form of transportation from the west?

Like I said in the article the west was no different until the Government stepped in and made them upgrade their equipment. I also said in the west they enforce it where as here they don't. The west changed here they didn't. they just stayed the same. I don't have the figures but I bet originally it was all west tour companies and Thailand is good at copying so they started doing it also.

Read the whole post and read what it says not just what you want to believe.

I read the full article thanks; then noticed your BS.

[TechnikaIII]

Thailand's bus operators risk passenger safety for profits: "expert"

You don't need a phaarking expert to work that one out ...

[Doc46]

When is someone in Thailand gov going to wake up and make the enforcement of the rules and regulations ,If not Why The F... have rules and regulations?????

That is why this whole country is in mess,because of with people who don't care and have no scruples they think that they are better than anybody else!! Its like beating a dead Horse here, can't get true to them, you waste your time and energy !!

[Mudcrab]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

I would be happy with them simply complying with Thai law as written in the OP.

If they stuck to those written up in the OP, the buses would be considerably safer, no need for any foreign influence whatsoever.

i

Understand what you are saying...but in the real world we deal with reality...as distasteful as it may be.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Mudcrab

[Thai at Heart]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

I would be happy with them simply complying with Thai law as written in the OP.

If they stuck to those written up in the OP, the buses would be considerably safer, no need for any foreign influence whatsoever.

i

Understand what you are saying...but in the real world we deal with reality...as distasteful as it may be.

So you see the issue has zero to do with foreigners.

You go to a bus supplier, he gives you a price, the buyer says, can you make it this big with a Thai chassis and two people willingly do business to put at risk Thai people and break Thai law. Basically, the manufacturer is knowingly making something illegal that endangers people's lives at the customers request.

I mean it's only life and death, which is patently quite a small issue over here sometimes.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[Tomtomtom69]

The lesson is: Don't take the bus.

I would rather drive my German tank or take an airplane. Way more expensive, but I have a better chance of survival.

Fully agreed - but flying isn't way more expensive, especially with budget carriers like Air Asia it might even be cheaper if you can find a promotional fare. Personally I drive - in rare cases I might fly but there's no way I would ever get on a private bus in Thailand. Government buses I have used before and they are generally reliable and much safer than their private counterparts - no idea why anyone wouldn't want to catch a government bus given they are far more ubiquitous and reliable not to mention safer than private buses.

These days it's very difficult to get me out of my beloved car though - but given I'm in control I'm better off that way.

[monkey4u]

All bus and truck chassis from Japan are more narrow than America.

If you require a wide chassis for double deck buses, you need to use Euopean chassis

Volvo. Scania or Mercedes.

Unfortunatley these cost far more than the Jap imports

Dont forget most of the buses here are using 20 plus year old chassis with new bodies fitted

[marell]

We all know this. Big question is - where does this blatant disregard for people's safety and must make as much possible money at all costs mentality come from?

-------------------

It's called Capitalism ... Profit before People.

It's a western idea highly regarded in Thailand by international investors in Thailand.

So this idea only has appeal for the international investors in Thailand? Seems to be highly regarded and avidly promoted by more than a few locals.

[zydeco]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

All too true. I have already accepted the fact that if I ever need emergency ambulance care--it ain't gonna happen. If I want utilities around my house repaired in short order--it ain't gonna happen. If I want peace and safety in a bus, train, or a taxi--it ain't gonna happen. But you're right, the freedoms I can enjoy in the meantime balance it all out. Which is why I'm increasingly disturbed with police state rumblings on things like the internet, immigration, and health insurance requirements. Really wish I had come to this country 30 years ago. Might have been paradise, then.

[mok199]

hahaha....do ya think........every one here is about the money...this is a one star country diguised as a world class resort......if they want ''profesional'' staff they need to pay more,train,educate,and this is not just about the bus drivers althought they are the WORST,it about anyone involved in the tourist buis here from scooter taxi to speed boat to waiters and cooks...no one has pride in their work here..no one cares about the tourist,and that is when u get into trouble,thinking you are in good hands here......you want a cheap vaction..this is the place....but with that comes all the risks......

[mok199]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

All too true. I have already accepted the fact that if I ever need emergency ambulance care--it ain't gonna happen. If I want utilities around my house repaired in short order--it ain't gonna happen. If I want peace and safety in a bus, train, or a taxi--it ain't gonna happen. But you're right, the freedoms I can enjoy in the meantime balance it all out. Which is why I'm increasingly disturbed with police state rumblings on things like the internet, immigration, and health insurance requirements. Really wish I had come to this country 30 years ago. Might have been paradise, then.

when you find paradise,kiss it good bye......lyrics from ''the last resort''....the eagles.....

[harrry]

Gentlemen and ladies...you are in a less developed country than that from which you came. Many of you came for the freedom which comes from that. Some came because of the less expensive lifestyle. There us a price to be paid unfortunately. If you want first world regulation and standards be prepared to pay the price. Machinery inspectors do not come cheaply nor do the myriads of public servants who create and enforce regulations. Be careful what you wish for.

All too true. I have already accepted the fact that if I ever need emergency ambulance care--it ain't gonna happen. If I want utilities around my house repaired in short order--it ain't gonna happen. If I want peace and safety in a bus, train, or a taxi--it ain't gonna happen. But you're right, the freedoms I can enjoy in the meantime balance it all out. Which is why I'm increasingly disturbed with police state rumblings on things like the internet, immigration, and health insurance requirements. Really wish I had come to this country 30 years ago. Might have been paradise, then.

You obviously have not had to go on the waiting list to get a plumber in Australia. In Thailand you can get something fixed the same day or next at the worst.

[stoli]

If, heaven forbid, the bus operators were forced to have seat belts

PROPERLY fitted,for every passenger. they would be squealing

like pigs,at the cost,life is cheap here so it will never happen.

regards Worgeordie

Where currently do they have seat belts in buses? Certainly not in the U.S. Is it mandatory anywhere?

[Pattaya28]

GPS system will let the bus companys alert the media for their "news". So actually the GPS is a profit-making gadget to add to their coffeurs.

How could GPS alert the operators of a crash ??

Life as we know it has little value here.

[brfsa2]

To me corruption should be treated a crime the same as murder.

If there was no corruption, then the buses would not be like this, there would be seat belts, 40 seats and safety.. and people would not be dying like this.

Thus corruption = death.

[jbrain]

They should install speed restrictors in every bus and minivan, if the companies tamper with them, hit them with massive fines.

Wasn't that announced by the government merely 6 months ago, and even the fines were set ?

Wonder what happened to that innitiative.

[Muirton]

Once upon a time i took a bus regularly from Chiang Mai that this year has become a van. A bus with windows that opened, seats for 30, a super-helfpul conductress have been replaced by a tiny van. Not even a Thai can stand up in this van, the aisle is about 2 feet wide, the window ends at my shoulder so I see nothing, the music speakers in the ceiling are about 6 inches from my head since that's where my head ends up in this vehicle. The 30-seater is now a 14-seater, and when the van is full it takes a different road, leaving passengers waiting where there has been a bus for years waiting and waiting for the rare remaining bus. Some Thai has 'calculated' more profit from a more energy-efficient vehicle, savings from no conductress. Half the passenger capacity didn't enter into the equation. But the 'tea money' for buying a fleet of vans sure did.

Which is all small beer compared to the fact this van is a death trap. The driver has a door, the two passengers beside him have a door -- but for the remaining 12 passengers in the rows behind there is only one sliding door. A sliding door is hugely more liable to become useless than a normal door in any accident. No 1st World Department of Transportation would license such a van. OK, we love Thailand but this is a "Twelve Passengers Burn to Death in Van" waiting to happen. T.I.T.

[Robi Schwab]

Many a comment has been entered here in great criticism against Thailand, Thai culture, Thai custom, Thai Government, Thai transport services and the corrupted Thai nation. Almost every single comment does in itself hold some truth and a lot of exaggeration. The most of these comments were passed by foreigners apparently residing in Thailand.

So now my question to all of these various commentators is this. If Thailand in the whole is now SO bad and corrupt, why do you all still prefer to reside in Thailand? I mean, why don't you just exercise you democratic human right and MOVE elsewhere?

After-all, there IS an entire planet earth out there where I'm sure you could find a place suiting your exact preferences, don't you think?

[Thai at Heart]

Many a comment has been entered here in great criticism against Thailand, Thai culture, Thai custom, Thai Government, Thai transport services and the corrupted Thai nation. Almost every single comment does in itself hold some truth and a lot of exaggeration. The most of these comments were passed by foreigners apparently residing in Thailand.

So now my question to all of these various commentators is this. If Thailand in the whole is now SO bad and corrupt, why do you all still prefer to reside in Thailand? I mean, why don't you just exercise you democratic human right and MOVE elsewhere?

After-all, there IS an entire planet earth out there where I'm sure you could find a place suiting your exact preferences, don't you think?

To impress on the future generations to make it better?

Ironically, corruption contributes to making it cheap to live here. If there was no corruption, many would leave.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Thai at Heart