Bangkok: Customs officials have addressed the situation concerning 99 Sunlong buses, which have been left abandoned for nearly a decade. The officials have confirmed that there has been no negligence on their part and that all procedures have been executed in compliance with the law.
According to Thai News Agency, the issue resurfaced after a Facebook user shared a post in the “Bangkokbusclub Cafe” group, showcasing images of the 99 blue Sunlong buses. These buses were originally meant for the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) but were abandoned following a 2016 case involving fraudulent declaration. The Customs Department accused the importers of falsely declaring the buses’ origin to obtain tax exemptions. Consequently, the buses were seized as evidence and have since been stored at Laem Chabang Port.
The shared images highlighted that all 99 buses remain parked in the same location, subjected to environmental elements like sun, rain, and sea breeze, which could lead to their deterioration. This situation has raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of repairing and reusing the buses and how much longer they will remain in their current state.
In a recent statement, Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, clarified that the matter is undergoing legal review and will advance through the judicial process. The Customs Department is required to retain the buses until a court ruling is made. Should the court find the parties guilty, the buses will be seized as state property and disposed of as scrap. The department emphasized that they are actively engaged in the legal proceedings and are adhering to all required procedures.