Thai Enquirer:
The bus operator involved in the bus fire in Pathum Thani, Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand), did not send its five remaining buses for inspection by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Lopburi today. Instead, the buses were sent to Nakhon Ratchasima for the removal of gas tanks that were not registered
Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have since confiscated the buses from the Sing Buri-based operator and are currently inspecting them.
This action follows the discovery that the bus involved in the incident had 11 gas tanks on board, of which only six were registered.
DLT director-general Jirut Wisaljit indicated that this suggested an attempt to hide unauthorized vehicle modifications, which could affect safety, particularly concerning the gas systems. These modifications may have increased the vehicle's weight and posed a risk of gas leaks due to improper installation. The gas systems had not been inspected by certified engineers or recognized agencies. The department has filed a report to initiate legal action.
The Facebook page of Chinnaboot Tour, owned by Chinnaboot Engineering, was also deactivated today.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that a committee has been set up to review preventive measures for public bus services. The committee is tasked with identifying the causes of accidents and will develop guidelines for agencies under the Ministry of Transport.
The committee will study and analyze the causes of accidents, applying engineering principles, and propose both urgent and long-term preventive measures. It will also provide operational guidelines to prevent future incidents and is expected to report its findings within 15 days of its formation. This includes introducing new regulations and reviewing gas systems in public transport vehicles such as buses, taxis, and vans to determine if changes are necessary.
In the long term, the focus will be on engineering evaluations and stricter enforcement of transportation regulations, particularly with regard to the safety of children.
Jirut added that all 13,426 public buses using CNG fuel (as of September 30) must undergo thorough inspections within 60 days, starting with the 2,935 non-scheduled buses. He stressed that the inspections will be conducted nationwide. If buses are found to be non-compliant, especially regarding gas systems or parts, their licenses will be revoked and legal action will be taken.
