Random drug and alcohol tests among bus drivers



BANGKOK: -- The Office of Narcotics Control Board and Land Transport Department have launched a campaign to conduct random urine tests of public bus drivers to ensure that they are drugs free.

ONCB secretary-general Permpong Chavalit and Land Transport director-general Thirapong Rodprasert on Tuesday led officials to bus terminals to supervise the random urine tests and alcohol tests.

Concurrently, a campaign was also launched to warn passengers to be aware of strangers who may ask them to carry their bagges which may be stuffed with drugs.

Mr Permpong said that checkpoints have been set up at bus terminals in Bangkok and in 14 upcountry provinces and 12 more checkpoints in 10 other provinces to look out for illicit drugs.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/random-drug-alcohol-tests-among-bus-drivers


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-24

Yes its about time something was done about this .You only have to look at some drivers faces to know they are on something.

The story doesn't use the words ' New Year ' so let's hope it will be a sustained effort 24 / 7 / 365 and not just a show that will disappear as quickly as it started.

Why are they not setting up checkpoints strictly for buses, vans, and any other public transportation service? All of these needs to be regulated and especially now when there are more travelers.

Where do all these reporters come from........??

Should be checking the big trucks too...Those things are all over the road....Clearly not functioning well whether substance or tired = very dangerous....

I would suggest an additional IQ test. That would rule out a couple of drivers as mentally impaired.

With so many at risk per vehicle this has to be a good place to start. The knowledge that the police are stopping these drivers might do some good. Yet what we need are some high profile cases of punishment for those caught and found guilty.

Best path here is to establish a drug test procedure NOW for ALL chauffeurs, then randomly test going forward. Queue them up, test them, let them know there will be regular tests done WITHOUT prior notice. Only way it will be effective.

What a relief for the farrang harrassed around Asoke to learn their random checks were just a drill for the big thing.

Bus driver harassment ?

FINALLY !

Instead of bothering innocent tourists this is what the police should do but as there is no money to make they won't do it long...

next the city bus drivers , some of those guys are scary .

anyone else seen them run into a car and not stop ?

More good news Thailand. Suggest drug tests vans that randomly turn up at all forms of public transport depots even right out in the school van depot in Nakon Nowhere.

That's good.

If they got all the drugged and drunk drivers off the road, the streets would be deserted.

Yet another "good beginning" that will peter out and vaporize along with sidewalk vendor crackdowns, beachfront intruder crackdowns, gambling crackdowns, corruption crackdowns and police crackdowns on police.

Worse, drivers for the buses have all-day shifts, and some wear adult diapers because they and the porters are not allowed to take breaks for any reason, including toilet stops.

It is a case of yet another paper tiger roaring...

Can't wait to read the Thai equivilent to this news report.

An Egyptian bus driver was left flaggergasted after using his wife's urine in a bid to avoid a mandatory drugs test, only to be told by officials: "Congratulations. You're pregnant."

http://www.smh.com.au/world/egyptian-bus-driver-gets-shock-after-using-wifes-urine-for-drugs-test-20141106-11i9y9.html

if bus driver were paid per hour, suddenly they would all drive very slowly.

More good news Thailand. Suggest drug tests vans that randomly turn up at all forms of public transport depots even right out in the school van depot in Nakon Nowhere.

You're a little tardy with that suggestion, they got there ahead of you..."The Office of Narcotics Control Board and Land Transport Department have launched a campaign to conduct random urine tests of public bus drivers to ensure that they are drugs free."

Yet another "good beginning" that will peter out and vaporize along with sidewalk vendor crackdowns, beachfront intruder crackdowns, gambling crackdowns, corruption crackdowns and police crackdowns on police.

Worse, drivers for the buses have all-day shifts, and some wear adult diapers because they and the porters are not allowed to take breaks for any reason, including toilet stops.

It is a case of yet another paper tiger roaring...

"drivers for the buses have all-day shifts, and some wear adult diapers because they and the porters are not allowed to take breaks for any reason, including toilet stops.

Yet another post full of roaring nonsense.

Yet another "good beginning" that will peter out and vaporize along with sidewalk vendor crackdowns, beachfront intruder crackdowns, gambling crackdowns, corruption crackdowns and police crackdowns on police.

Worse, drivers for the buses have all-day shifts, and some wear adult diapers because they and the porters are not allowed to take breaks for any reason, including toilet stops.

It is a case of yet another paper tiger roaring...

Very suprised about the diaper wearing drivers!! have been on many many bus trips and most buses stop every few hours or so, even the nonstop Khon Kaen

Bangkok overnight NCA service did make a very quick pit stop..................maybe for a diaper change!!!

Have experienced the good the bad and the ugly as far as driving goes and conditions of the bus.................worse and best extremes found with the Toyota mini van services!

I realise this is probably a silly question, but has Thailand ever thought about tachographs?

and professional bus driver tests of course....