In a heart-wrenching incident that occurred on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a bus fire in central Thailand claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers during a school field trip. The tragedy, which took place near Bangkok, has once again brought Thailand's road safety issues to the forefront of national discourse.
The victims, hailing from Lan Sak in Uthai Thani province, were part of a group of 45 passengers, including 39 students and six teachers. Only 22 individuals managed to escape the rapidly spreading fire, leaving three girls hospitalized, one with severe facial burns that may result in vision loss.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, funeral rites commenced at a local Buddhist temple that also housed the school. The ceremony, marked by the chanting of Buddhist monks, saw grieving families offering personal items to their departed loved ones. Surayud Chulanont, former prime minister and head of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's Privy Council, presented a wreath on behalf of the monarch, underscoring the national impact of this tragedy.
This devastating event has reignited concerns about Thailand's road safety record. The country is notorious for having one of the highest traffic fatality rates globally, with over 2,600 children aged 10-19 losing their lives annually in road accidents, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
The bus involved in the accident was more than 50 years old and had been modified to run on compressed natural gas (CNG), a common practice in Thailand to reduce fuel costs. However, investigations revealed that the vehicle was carrying 11 gas canisters, despite only having a permit for six.
"Initial charges have been filed against the bus driver, including reckless driving and failing to stop to help others. The driver claimed a front tire had malfunctioned, causing the bus to collide with a car before skidding along a concrete highway barrier. Sparks from the friction might have ignited the highly flammable natural gas canisters."
In response to the tragedy, Thailand's Department of Land Transport has announced urgent inspections of all CNG-fueled buses. Seksom Akraphand, the agency's deputy director-general, stated that new safety guidelines would be implemented, requiring crisis management training for drivers and enhanced safety inspections for vehicles used in school activities.
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media about the safety of school field trips, with some parents calling for their cancellation. However, Wichan Seubsaichan, who lost both his 9-year-old son and 8-year-old half-brother in the fire, emphasized the educational value of such trips, stating, "For children that do not have an opportunity, to be able to travel for just one time to learn things, it is a very valuable experience for them."
As Thailand grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on improving road safety and enforcing stricter vehicle regulations to prevent future incidents. The royal-sponsored cremation for the victims is scheduled for next week, serving as a somber reminder of the urgent need for change in the country's approach to transportation safety.