DLT revokes bus operator's license after tragic incident

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has temporarily revoked the public transport license of the operator of the tour bus that caught fire while transporting students in Pathum Thani province on Tuesday.

In the accident, 20 of the 39 students and six teachers on board died in the fire.

The bus was among three buses chartered by Wat Khao Phaya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani to take young primary school students and teachers on a sightseeing tour of Ayutthaya.

DLT General Director Jirut Wisaljit said the bus with license plate 30-0423 Sing Buri was registered to a named person Panisara Shinbutrwhose driver's license is now suspended.

The department's engineering team will thoroughly examine the vehicle and its safety equipment to determine the cause of the accident, he said, adding that the agency will take legal action against the operator if the accident is found to be their fault .

Jirut added that the DLT has urged other coach operators to strictly adhere to safety standards to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

The Ministry of Transport announced this on Wednesday Surapong Piyachote will call on leaders of the DLT and related agencies to discuss preventive measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.

A detailed review of the incident will be conducted to determine appropriate operational procedures, with a focus on ensuring the highest level of passenger safety, the ministry said.