Father’s Day Crash in Thailand Claims 14 Lives, Double-Decker Buses Banned in Response

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Fatal Father’s Day Crash Prompts Thailand to Ban Double-Decker Buses

Subtitle: Government Takes Drastic Measures to Improve Road Safety Following Tragic Accident

Date: 6th December 2023, 18:13

Image: [Insert Alt Text] (Image source: [Insert Image Source])

In response to a devastating accident on Father’s Day that claimed the lives of 14 individuals, Thai authorities have announced that licenses for buses currently operating on the nation’s roads will not be renewed. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The incident, which took place in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, involved a double-decker bus veering off the road and colliding with trees. Deputy government spokeswoman Rudklao Suwankiri expressed her condolences to the families and friends of the victims, highlighting the urgency to address the safety concerns surrounding double-decker buses.

The ill-fated bus was en route from Bangkok to Na Thawi district in Songkhla province when the accident occurred at the 331-kilometer marker in tambon Huai Yang of Thap Sakae district in Prachuap Khiri Khan around 1 am on Tuesday.

Upon reaching the scene, emergency responders discovered 14 fatalities, with seven found on the upper deck, three on the lower deck, and four outside the bus. The 36-year-old driver, identified as Somsak, is currently in critical condition at Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital.

To prevent future tragedies, the transport minister has amended regulations to restrict the height of double-decker buses to four meters, down from the current 4.3 meters. Additionally, all buses must now be equipped with a GPS system, subject to inspection.

Authorities have also confirmed that the licenses of existing double-decker buses will expire within the next four to five years, signaling an end to their operation in Thailand. The government has pledged to support affected families and minimize the impact of the incident.

Kongsak Chuenkrailart, coordinator of the public transport safety program at the Foundation for Consumers, pointed to driver fatigue and inadequate vehicle maintenance as possible causes of the crash. He also noted discrepancies between the bus company’s name and the firm that issued the tickets, raising concerns about safety standards and passenger well-being.

Chuenkrailart stated, “It is crucial for agencies to thoroughly reassess the safety protocols surrounding double-decker buses to ensure passenger safety. Currently, passengers lack access to maintenance checks, service life details, insurance, and evidence of successful slope tests. These factors have contributed to accidents over the years.”

In a related update, the Department of Land Transport revealed that the bus involved in the incident was traveling at 88 kilometers per hour, below the prescribed speed limit of 90 km/h.

As Thailand mourns the loss of life in this tragic accident, the government remains committed to implementing comprehensive measures to improve road safety across the country. The ban on double-decker buses, along with stricter regulations and increased oversight, aims to prevent future accidents and protect the lives of passengers..