National —
On October 1st, 2024, Thai national media provided an update on the tragic bus fire involving students from Wat Khao Phraya school, Uthai Thani, which occurred on Vibhavadi Road in front of the Monument of Honor, Bangkok, claiming the lives of several teachers and students.
According to the latest report from Thai national media, a total of 23 individuals remain missing, including 20 students and 3 teachers. The missing students were from various grade levels, while the three teachers, identified as Ms. Pimthong Sombat, Ms. Saranya Homkasorn, and Ms. Kanokwan Sriporn, were confirmed deceased.
The teachers were widely praised online for their bravery, with many paying tribute to their dedication until the very end.
At 12:20 PM on October 2nd, 2024, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chaired a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and related agencies regarding the tragic school bus fire incident. Suriya announced measures to enhance bus safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Suriya ordered the Department of Land Transport to inspect all 13,426 buses using CNG fuel within 60 days. They will also raise safety standards for non-regular buses and coordinate with the Ministry of Education to ensure rented buses undergo safety checks before any school trips.
Suriya stated that all bus drivers and staff will receive crisis management training to better respond to emergencies. A new law will also mandate safety briefings for passengers, similar to those given on flights, including instructions on using emergency equipment.
In response to the bus’s age—54 years—Suriya emphasized the need for stricter vehicle regulations, including limits on vehicle age. He also dismissed the idea of banning NGV gas but insisted on thorough safety checks to identify potential risks, such as gas leaks.
Regarding compensation for victims, insurance companies will provide one million baht for each deceased person, with additional government funds raising the total to 2.4 million baht. Severely injured individuals will receive 700,000 baht each, while those with minor injuries will receive 200,000 baht.
Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin added that three individuals remain in ICU with severe burns. China has sent specialized burn ointment, Snow Lotus, which is registered in Thailand, to help treat these victims.
Somsak deployed mental health teams to support the victims’ families, students, and affected communities. These teams, including psychologists and social workers, are working to provide emotional care and ensure continued support for all those impacted by the tragedy.
