Thai Department of Land Transport announces stricter Covid-19 rules and precautions for buses and motorcycle taxis

Thailand-

Mr. Jirut Wisarnjit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, announced this afternoon, May 9th, 2021, stricter Covid-19 precautions in Thailand for buses, public cars, and motorcycle taxis, especially in so-called “deep red” zones like Bangkok and Chonburi, to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The announcement takes effect, according to Jirut, immediately, and also takes into effect all previous measures like mandatory mask-wearing, usage of checking into Thai contact tracing applications on buses, usage of hand sanitizer, and other precautions.

  The guidelines stated and announced were:

-Buses cannot carry more than 70% of their capacity limit. There must be a seat between all strangers, although two people who are traveling together can sit next to each other.

-Transport operators are asked to minimize any routes or transportation, especially in Bangkok and “dark red zones”, between 11:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M. to encourage people to stay home.

-Transport operators are asked to consider reducing the number of buses and public cars traveling in and to “dark red” control areas.

-Thai Mor Chana and similar tracking applications must be used on all bus routes and shown to the driver as proof that they have tracked in, or a similar form or registration.

-Drivers should “consider” parking the bus, van, or public vehicle every two hours to open the windows and disinfect the vehicle.

-Motorbike taxi drivers “should” wipe down the seat and handlebars/back grips on all motorbikes between every single customer with disinfectant. Customers who regularly take motorbike taxis should bring their own helmet but if they use one of the drivers it should be disinfected and cleaned between every customer.

-Motorbike taxis “should” not talk to customers while driving to avoid potentially spreading droplets of Covid-19. Masks must be worn at all times.

These measures have been introduced as, despite many restrictions, closures, rules, and limitations the country has not seen a significant reduction in Covid-19, especially in Bangkok and most “deep red” zones with the major exception of Chiang Mai, since the introduction of prior policies, according to Jirut.

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, is set to review the current measures and restrictions in place sometime later this week.