Nikorn to Submit Safety Recommendations Following Uthai Thani Student Bus Fire.

Bangkok: In a renewed push for road safety, the Road Safety Subcommittee is set to invite relevant agencies to discuss strategies for managing the upcoming long New Year holiday. Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, an advisor and committee member dedicated to accident prevention and reduction, announced plans to submit recommendations concerning the Uthai Thani school bus fire incident. He expressed concern over the country's existing laws, which, while comprehensive, suffer from poor implementation. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nikorn discussed the agenda for the upcoming subcommittee meeting, which he will chair. The meeting aims to gather opinions to be presented to the main committee on December 18. With the holiday season approaching, government agencies responsible for road safety will be invited to share their preparations. The committee will present suggestions derived from the lessons learned from the school bus fire incident, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to existing laws and regulations. The pr oposals have already been communicated to the prime minister, who has instructed relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Transport, to ensure compliance. Mr. Nikorn confirmed that the committee plans to invite Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister, along with other key figures such as the secretary of the Road Safety Operation Center and the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, to the meeting on December 18. The aim is to ensure that a comprehensive safety plan is in place. Addressing concerns about public awareness of the bus fire incident, Mr. Nikorn highlighted the existing legal framework but noted a gap in practice. He stressed the importance of repeated inspections by the provincial transport department, particularly for vehicles used by students, a vulnerable group on field trips. He advocated for practical measures, such as the use of safety equipment including hammers, fire extinguishers, and emergency doors, to be reg ularly tested and inspected. Mr. Nikorn likened the need for consistent enforcement to regular haircuts: "The law is complete. There are regulations, but the practice must be like when we cut our hair. If we don't cut our hair, it will be messy and long. We have to cut it every 3 weeks. So we have to check it over and over again."