Bangkok: Double-decker bus operators are threatening to march a thousand vehicles into the capital city in response to a controversial ban on using the Khao Phap Pha route. The operators, under the Thai Double-Decker Bus Association, argue that the ban is unlawful and the route does not meet the necessary criteria for such restrictions.
According to Thai News Agency, the protest at Andaman Gateway on Highway No. 4, Khao Phap Pha, involved more than 100 double-decker buses and around 200 tourism business operators. The Department of Land Transport’s order prohibits the use of seven routes nationwide, effective from April 11, 2025, for tour buses and June 1, 2025, for public buses. Protesters displayed signs demanding the resignation of the Deputy Minister of Transport and the Director-General of the Department of Land Transport.
Mr. Suriya Klaewthanong, President of the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association, stated that the Khao Phap Pha route does not qualify for the ban, as it only has an 8% slope for 500 meters to 1 kilometer. The criteria require a continuous slope of 5 kilometers and at least five accidents per year. The association plans to file a petition with the Administrative Court on June 6, seeking a temporary injunction and may pursue a civil lawsuit if the order is deemed improper.
An argument ensued during the petition submission between Mr. Preecha Nuan Noi, Deputy Governor of Phatthalung, and the association’s representatives. The Deputy Governor explained that the issue originated from a proposal by Phatthalung Province but suggested Trang Province lead the initiative for a solution.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Anan Boonsamran, Deputy Governor of Trang, received the letter for the Minister of Transport, acknowledging that no double-decker bus accidents have occurred on the Khao Phap Pha route over the past decade. The association is scheduled to meet with the Deputy Minister of Transport on June 5, 2025, and is preparing to mobilize 1,000 buses to Bangkok to oversee developments.
The affected routes include Highway No. 118 Chiang Mai-Doi Nang Kaew, No. 103 Mae Hong Son-Mae Tip, No. 1256 Pua-Doi Phu Kha National Park, No. 2013 Bo Pho-Khok Ngam, No. 2331 Cho Ho Wa-Ku Hin Rong Kla National Park, No. 304 Kabin Buri-Wang Nam Khiao intersection, and No. 4 Khao Phap Pha Trang-Phatthalung.