Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport has announced a significant safety measure by banning double-decker buses from operating on Highway 304. This decision aims to prevent road accidents on this high-risk route. Additionally, the department has opened specific routes where these buses can operate as passenger services under strict conditions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chirut Wisanjit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, stated that the Central Land Transport Control Committee has confirmed the ban on double-decker buses (Standard 4) on Highway 304, from Bin Buri Intersection to Wang Nam Khiao. This decision was made due to the high number of accidents on this route. However, the department has permitted the operation of double-decker buses on six other routes for a period of 180 days, starting July 21, 2025. These routes include Highway 4, Khao Phap Pha – Phatthalung; Highway 103, Mae Yang Hor – Mae Tip; Highway 118, Chiang Mai – Doi Nang Kaew; Highway 2013, Bo Pho – Khok Ngam; Highway 2331, Cho Ho Wa – Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park; and Highway 1256, Pua – Doi Phu Kha National Park.
The Director-General highlighted that improvements have been made to the physical conditions of these roads by the Ministry of Transport, including widening road shoulders and enhancing road surfaces. Operators of double-decker buses on these six routes must adhere to the Department’s regulations, which include mandatory inspections of the buses at DLT or provincial transport offices to ensure vehicle readiness. This includes a thorough check of the braking system, which is crucial for driving on steep slopes. Drivers are also required to complete a two-hour e-learning course on driving heavy vehicles on such terrain and must strictly follow speed limits.
The decision to ban double-decker buses on certain high-risk routes is part of the Department of Land Transport’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reduce road accidents. The Ministry of Transport emphasizes the need for collaboration across public and private sectors to ensure the safety of public transportation users and non-scheduled buses (Type 30).
Reporters have highlighted data from the Department of Land Transport, indicating that as of 2025, there are 7,300 registered double-decker buses, with 107 accidents and 24 fatalities recorded. This results in a fatality rate of 32.9 per 10,000 registered vehicles. Double-decker buses are found to be seven times more accident-prone than single-decker buses, with a tenfold increase in risk of death. Recognizing the importance of safety, the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Department of Highways, has established zoning to prohibit double-decker buses from using high-risk routes to prevent accidents and minimize loss of life and property.