Another 36 passengers were seriously injured when the vehicle, the eighth of 12 buses in a convoy, skidded off the road and ploughed into a tree then overturned.
The incident came about 6am on Friday on Road No. 415 in Krabi's Plai Phraya as the buses, laden with hundreds of teachers, housewives, local administration officials and public health volunteers, made their way from the province of Samut Prakan to visit Phuket.
Officials from Samut Prakan were working with the Krabi Provincial Administration Organisation today to identify the dead and injured.
Twelve of the dead are reported to have been killed at the scene, with another four dying in hospital.
The scale of the horrific crash points towards the need for improved safety checks. Drivers of some vehicles, especially minivans, sometimes stay at the wheel for days on end if extra work is available.
Police believe the driver in this case may have fallen asleep, but Samut Prakan governor Kwanchai Wongnitikorn said he had been told that a tyre on the bus exploded.
Safety should be made a top priority on long-haul trips, not to mention ensuring that the vehicles were in roadworthy condition and the drivers were in good health, the governor said.
The road was wet at the time.
Phuketwan was on the scene of a mini-van crash in Phang Nga, on the way to Krabi, in which a tourist group of Singaporeans were injured recently.
The improved roads on the run to Phang Nga and Krabi mean higher speeds and greater risks if something goes wrong.
Last November during the blockade at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuketwan encountered mini-van drivers who were capitalising on the lack of flights by driving backwards and forwards between the capital and Phuket without a break.
Phuket Lanta Bus Crashes: Nine Singaporeans Hurt
Photo Album Phuketwan is on the scene soon after a Phuket to Koh Lanta bus crashes today. The images are shocking. But it provides a message for the holiday season: slow down and live.
Phuket Lanta Bus Crashes: Nine Singaporeans Hurt
Bent Motorcycles, Blood on a Sunny Day
Photo Album: The road toll trauma of the Phuket region is no longer reported regularly by the English language press. By chance, we are on the scene soon after motorcycles collide.
Bent Motorcycles, Blood on a Sunny Day
Wrong Way Rider Sparks Chalong Pileup
Phuketwan was on the scene to record a photo album soon after two motorcycles and a pickup crashed near Chalong Circle. A rider going the wrong way caused the mishap.
Wrong Way Rider Sparks Chalong Pileup
Phuket Road Toll: Suddenly Cars Kill, Too
Latest: Official road toll figures for Phuket reflect a dramatic increase in the number of nonmotorcycle deaths, a reflection perhaps that speed is now adding danger.
Phuket Road Toll: Suddenly Cars Kill, Too
All Safe in Patong Emergency Rescue Practice
Photo Album A rescue drill involving a gps system and aircraft support was carried out on Patong beach today to demonstrate what should happen when tourists strike trouble at sea.
All Safe in Patong Emergency Rescue Practice
Small Phuket Beach Gains Big Eco Cleanup
Photo Album A gem of a beach, Kata Noi, gains a cleanup and some trees from the resort that benefits most from the sun, sea and sand there. Others come to help, too.
Small Phuket Beach Gains Big Eco Cleanup
Outrigger to Brand Seventh Laguna Phuket Resort
Latest The Outrigger brand now has its third Phuket resort, a sign of confidence in the island's future. This one will be at Laguna Phuket, where construction of resort No. 7 is well under way.
Outrigger to Brand Seventh Laguna Phuket Resort
Phuket Deal Spurs Free Trade for Seven Nations
World Exclusive Breakthrough talks on Phuket seal a historic deal that will lead eventually to free trade between Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Phuket Deal Spurs Free Trade for Seven Nations
Aussie Bar Solves its Beer Mat Heist Problem
Photo Album Patong these days is quiet out of season although sporting events can still attract a crowd to the Aussie Bar. Just leave those kangaroo bar mats alone, ok?
Aussie Bar Solves its Beer Mat Heist Problem
Monsoon Riders Title, Kalim Beach, June 12-14
Phuket has had surf competitions since 2002 but nothing like 2009, with three tournaments each over three days in a big new series. Local riders with face a test against the best.
Monsoon Riders Title, Kalim Beach, June 12-14
Phuket Fashion & Music Week, Patong, June 24-30
Photo Album High stepping models strutted their stuff in Patong at the preview of the first Fashion Week at Jungceylon that promises parades and a party every night.
Phuket Fashion & Music Week, Patong, June 24-30
Jabu Sunset, Sails and Champers: Photo Special
Photo Album If mahogany and moonlight and sparkling seas take your fancy, a cruise off Phuket on the Jabu may prove ideal. Phuketwan put the sailboat to the test on a day trip.
Jabu Sunset, Sails and Champers: Photo Special
What a waste of life. Does nobody care about the safety of people ... well, welcome to Thailand, where you can drive how you like. When will the Police actually police? When will traffic laws ever be enforced and when will the driving standards be improved to teach people how to drive properly and with consideration ... a word unheard of if your a taxi or minibus driver. Wake up, for the sake of human lives!
Posted by Noddy on June 7, 2009 20:42