Bangkok: The Association of Double-Decker Bus Operators of Thailand has filed a petition with the Administrative Court seeking to revoke an announcement that prohibits the operation of double-decker buses on seven steep routes deemed risky by the Department of Land Transport. The court has set a date for June 16 to address the matter, during which bus operators plan to engage in civil disobedience by driving on the banned routes without fear of legal repercussions.
According to Thai News Agency, the association, led by President Mr. Suriya Klaewthanong, is challenging the legality of the announcement, which restricts both regular and non-regular public double-decker buses from operating on routes with steep slopes, such as Highway No. 4, Khao Phap Pha, Trang - Phatthalung. The association is requesting an emergency hearing and a suspension of the announcement's enforcement until a court decision is made.
Mr. Suriya expressed concerns over the announcement, which was issued on April 11. He stated that the criteria used to designate the routes as risky are unclear and lack transparency. He questioned the source of these criteria, noting that past regulations cited international standards, but this time there was no clear reference. He also argued that accidents on these routes are due to individual negligence rather than the type of bus used and that the current announcement does not align with established criteria reviewed by various transport and engineering authorities.
The association contends that the announcement was issued too hastily, without sufficient consultation with business operators or consideration of its impact on the tourism industry. Furthermore, they argue that the announcement lacks statistical support and has not been published in the Government Gazette, rendering it unenforceable under Sections 7 and 8 of the Information Act and Section 19 of the Land Transport Act.
Mr. Suriya emphasized that the association has consistently respected state-issued laws over the past decade, but the suddenness and lack of transparency surrounding this particular announcement raise concerns. He indicated that the association intends to gather on June 16 for a demonstration of civil disobedience, asserting that the law is incorrect and lacks a legitimate basis. They plan to drive on the prohibited routes as an act of protest and are prepared to take reciprocal legal action if penalized.
The list of routes affected by the ban includes Highway No. 118 Chiang Mai-Doi Nang Kaew, Highway No. 103 Mae Hong Son-Mae Tip, Highway No. 1256 Pua-Doi Phu Kha National Park, Highway No. 2013 Bo Pho-Khok Ngam, Highway No. 2331 Cho Ho-Ku Hin Rong Kla National Park, Highway No. 304 Kabin Buri-Wang Nam Khiao Intersection, and Highway No. 4 Khao Phap Pha, Trang-Phatthalung.