Bangkok: The government has instructed the Ministry of Transport to lead an effort to upgrade vehicle inspection standards following the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) proposal to address corruption loopholes in the issuance of permits for buses using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV).
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet has acknowledged measures proposed by the NACC to prevent corruption in the application process for public transport vehicle permits. These measures aim to close existing loopholes, reduce corruption risks, and elevate the safety standards of public transport vehicles nationwide.
The NACC's investigation into a 2024 NGV-powered bus accident that resulted in a fire revealed several irregularities. The findings highlighted a focus on documentation over technical inspections and cases of inspection certificates being issued without actual vehicle inspections, posing significant risks to passenger and public safety.
The NACC proposed several measures, including the establishment of urgent policies to raise road safety standards, increased stringency in license applications and renewals, and improvements in the inspection process through a systematic IT system. Additionally, a "Safety Rating List" for public buses will be created, categorizing safety standards and allowing public access to information on vehicle safety.
The measures also emphasize continuous training for bus operators and drivers, promoting the use of monitoring devices, and providing accessible complaint channels for public reporting of risky behaviors. The aim is to ensure compliance with the law and encourage public participation in enhancing road safety.
The Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Transport with leading the implementation of these measures, in collaboration with various relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Energy, and the Royal Thai Police, among others. A comprehensive report on the implementation is to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat within 30 days.
Ms. Lalida reiterated the government's commitment to closing corruption loopholes, upgrading bus safety standards, and fostering public trust in vehicles using CNG/NGV fuel through rigorous and transparent inspection standards.