Passengers Rush Out From Thai Buses After A Dangerous Race

Fast & Furious buses in Bangkok

Other than speedy journeys on tuk tuks and motorbike taxis in Thailand, we have to pay more attention to our safety on public buses too. In this case, passengers were reported to have fled from 2 buses in Bangkok after the drivers dangerously raced with each other to win the spot at the next stop.

The drivers were fined and suspended

On 22nd August 2020, a Facebook user รัน สีลม shared a video that showed two orange buses racing along the road.

Thai buses race on the road
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Translation: Our beloved Route 1 buses. A public bus is not a racing car. As the cameraman who followed them behind, I’m scared too.

Thai buses race on the road
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This bus is known among locals as “Mini Bus Route 1” which normally services people from Charoen Krung Road to Siphraya Junction.

Thai buses race on the road
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In the video, the two buses could be seen travelling faster than normal and also swerving into the opposite lane in attempts to overtake each other. The bus drivers ignored all passengers and other cars and turned the road into their personal racetrack.

Their aim was to “win” the next stop in order to get more passengers and more fares.

Thai buses race on the road
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Finally, both buses had to stop at a traffic light. The two drivers got out and fought each other while many passengers quickly rushed out from the buses for their safety.

Thai buses race on the road
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Charoen Krung Road lies in a community area, so lots of people could have been affected if an accident had taken place.

After the video went viral, the bus Drivers, together with their employers, were called to pay the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority a visit. They were then fined ฿1,000 and suspended from work.

Image credit: CH3 Thailand