Saksayam defends decision against mandatory replacement of passenger vans with micro buses

[webfact]

Saksayam defends decision against mandatory replacement of passenger vans with micro buses

 

 

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob clarified Wednesday that he has not dropped the policy to replace the existing passenger vans with micro buses, but merely wanted the replacement to be voluntary, citing the high costs of the micro buses and the possibility of fare increases by the operators to offset their investment in the new vehicles.

 

The minister has come under heavy criticism for not caring about the safety of commuters over his decision to indefinitely postpone the deadline for replacement of ageing and unsafe passenger vans.

 

At a news conference on Wednesday morning at the Transport Ministry, Mr. Saksayam pointed out that each micro bus costs about 2.2 million baht, compared to 1.2-1.3 million baht for each passenger van, adding that most passenger van operators cannot afford the higher costs.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/saksayam-defends-decision-against-mandatory-replacement-of-passenger-vans-with-micro-buses/

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2019-08-14

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[RotBenz8888]

The new point system for van/minibus drivers:

Falling asleep/drunk and crashing 3p

Brake failure or steering wheel come of 0p

 

[legend49]

face lost now found again; phew!

[d2b2]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Saksayam pointed out that each micro bus costs about 2.2 million baht, compared to 1.2-1.3 million baht for each passenger van

While a Thai life only has a value of 100,000 baht. So if you do the math it is cheaper to keep the unsafe vans and pay out the compensation after deaths. The policy (now voluntary) was sound and reasonable. There is little to no hope of Thailand ever reducing the number of traffic related deaths and injuries, if the government repeatedly repeals or neuters sensible laws. There will be very few transport operators who will now purchase safer new microbuses, but I bet there will be quite a few new Mercedes sold to high ranking officials.

[Krataiboy]

Van or microbus, the carnage will continue unless maniacs and sonambuluists who drive them are changed.

[johng]

sonambuluists

What the heck is a "sonambuluist"

[Pedrogaz]

What a cock-up. Can't the junta do anything at all....everything seems to be a reaction that is subsequently withdrawn.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

citing the high costs of the micro buses and the possibility of fare increases by the operators to offset their investment in the new vehicles.

Considering the life span of the buses finances are not the issue.. enough revenue will be made to cover the repayments with a healthy profit margin!

The guy is backtracking under pressure.

[geoffbezoz]

1 hour ago, d2b2 said:

While a Thai life only has a value of 100,000 baht. So if you do the math it is cheaper to keep the unsafe vans and pay out the compensation after deaths. The policy (now voluntary) was sound and reasonable. There is little to no hope of Thailand ever reducing the number of traffic related deaths and injuries, if the government repeatedly repeals or neuters sensible laws. There will be very few transport operators who will now purchase safer new microbuses, but I bet there will be quite a few new Mercedes sold to high ranking officials.

Most Thai high ranking officials won't need to buy their new Mercedes, they will get them as "gifts"

[Benmart]

Much seems voluntary. Wearing a helmet. Passenger wearing a helmet. Infant in arms on a scooter. Driving the wrong way on a street. Lights on at night. Talking on a cellphone while driving a scooter. Wearing seatsbelts. Three of more on a scooter. Driving on a sidewalk. Having a modified muffler to increase the ego. Staying awake while driving. Stopping at red signal lights. Having a license. Wearing a cooking pot on your head while driving as a minor without a license and three on the scooter. The Land of Voluntary Behavior. And on and on.

[ChrisY1]

As mentioned..his son likely has a van fleet.

[AI5AASIA]

17 minutes ago, johng said:

 

 

What the heck is a "sonambuluist"

 

Google is your friend 

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

citing the high costs of the micro buses

Under the government ban, "soft" government loans would be available to buy replacement buses.

As Prayut is the Subsidy Man, he might now also offer some free capital as well towards purchase like he did with fishing vessel owners who argued against the high cost to upgrade vessels for international compliance.

I think the affected operators just don't want to be bothered at all and continue what they've been doing. I don't see Prayut allowing that course.

[amdy2206]

What fo they classify as a micro bus as opposed to a mini bus or van??

[Almer]

14 minutes ago, amdy2206 said:

What fo they classify as a micro bus as opposed to a mini bus or van??

A micro bus is a small coach, power door more comfortable and only capable with a speed limiter of say 90 kph, but that will mean outside lane flat out and out of gear downhill, with an increase in fatalities as a van is probably more robust, less glass more metal around you etc.

There is nothing unsafe about the converted vans the conversions are done to a high standard, it is the idiot who thinks he is immortal that is the problem, does  the industry not recognise they are the own worst enemy, my daughter wont travel in a van between KK and UT due to the suicidal tendencies of the so called drivers, she would rather pay a premium and it take 20 minutes longer on a proven safe journey, so wake up van man you are the issue not a 10 12 or 15 year old van

[Paul Henry]

Easily fixed. Government looking to boost economy, baht over valued.The Government could easily give a rebate on new minibus investment or interest free loans both subject to purchase of Thai built vehicles.

A win/win/winfor all. Passengers, Govt,owners.

[Krataiboy]

2 hours ago, johng said:

 

 

What the heck is a "sonambuluist"?

 

A sonambulist is somebody who walks and performs other functions (like posting messages with mispellings) while asleep.

 

I'm wide awake now but can't seem to get the typeface the right size!

 

 

 

 

 

[mok199]

Paint the all bright yellow , no tinted windows , and pray...

[Phuketshrew]

54 minutes ago, Krataiboy said:

3 hours ago, johng said:

 

 

What the heck is a "sonambuluist"?

 

A sonambulist is somebody who walks and performs other functions (like posting messages with mispellings) while asleep.

hahaha, similar to a somnambulist (or a Thai somtambulist).

[Krataiboy]

1 hour ago, Phuketshrew said:

hahaha, similar to a somnambulist (or a Thai somtambulist).

Third time lucky! Thanks. Must lay off the Chang.

[fullcave]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

but merely wanted the replacement to be voluntary,

I'm sure they will be lining up..????

[mercman24]

what sort of mindset thinks that driving a microbus is any different from driving a mini bus, it will still have the same brain dead driver behind the wheel, some of the stuff these people in authority come out with is mind boggling..

[Galactus]

nonsense! if they cant afford 2 million baht, they should leave this business then.

Just bc they cannot afford, it is OK to risk people getting squeezed to death even in a small accident?

and also:

New Toyota Coaster microbus is 1,960,000 thb:

https://www.toyota.co.th/en/model/coaster/grade

 

and new Commuter is  1,269.000:

https://www.toyota.co.th/en/model/commuter

 

so it is just a mere 700 k in between! with long years of installments it is like paying 6000 thb instead of 5000 thb!

So, the advisors of Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob dont know these numbers???

i guess very bad advisers or drivers of vans are pressuring the government and minister.

 

i hate commute ran services!