One of the main problem may be the too many long-waiting at all new traffic-lights which make travel across the island much more longer. Tour buses and minibus have fixed schedules to pick-up passengers and must drive fast to be on time.

Posted by Whistle-Blower on October 26, 2011 13:20

Same BS, different day. Just a thought, should there not be a clampdown on bus drivers to check their credentials and the like?

Posted by Dun on October 26, 2011 13:21

You guys are good - excellent up to the minute reporting. Well done!

Posted by petr on October 26, 2011 13:37

This is happening far too frequently!

Posted by Sandy Shores on October 26, 2011 13:42

Dun, the only "credential" you need to be a bus driver in Thailand is not to be registered blind. You don't really need a credential or certification to do any job in Thailand, and in the rare cases that you do, it can be easily forged or purchased.

Posted by Nuan S. on October 26, 2011 14:17

Now the prices for private taxis will rise!

Posted by Damien on October 26, 2011 14:41

nothing ever changes for the better. year after year. accidents after accidents. even deaths.

the consulates and embassies really need to put out warnings and awareness of many hazards in phuket that simply are ignored, so at the very least visitors know.

Posted by john s on October 26, 2011 15:07

An no, it is not the curve which is dangerous; dangerous are the people behind the steering wheel. Only very long stays in the Bangkok Hilton might - but only might - scare them off and stop this hazardous behavior. I myself got involved in an accident with such a genius driver...

Posted by Resident on October 26, 2011 15:51

Wild Irrational Speculation! Incorrect Information! Crazy Conclusions! Well so much for the comments.

My condolences to the poor people on this bus. It must be shocking to start a holiday with an accident and I hope that any injuries are minor. It is a minor miracle no one was killed and we should all be thankful for that.

The last few weeks have shown a considerable increase of unfounded, idle commentary on this site. While I respect people's opinions the lack of fact, logic and even coherency has become too much to bear. To Wit:

1. Traffic Lights are a safety feature. In most cases they lessen accidents not cause them. If people are rushing more because they have to stop for lights that is a people problem not a light issue. I find this deduction dubious.

2. Driver credentials should be checked and in most places are. A few years ago Bangkok had a crackdown on drivers without the proper registry and licensing. If they are not checked on Phuket (no evidence to suggest that in this case) that would be a local government and company issue.

3. Many jobs in Thailand are regulated and require certification (at least by law). It is incorrect to say that no job requires certification as it is incorrect to say that in ALL cases all you have to do is pay a bribe.

4. Things do change everyday. With the drama that is unfolding daily in the North right now it is curious that an accident where no one was killed draws such a conclusion. The island is over populated, too much traffic, ineffectively governed and under policed but so is most of the world. Be happy that all these people lived.

5. Prices will rise perhaps. I guess choosing whether to pay a little more to take a private taxi is really about how much you value your own safety. I am not sure that private taxi's are really that expensive in that light. I am also not sure that my initial reaction to this story are my personal economic concerns but concern for those involved.

6. Accidents are ... wait for it ... accidents! They all happen too frequently. I don't think there is a bus crash epidemic if that is what you are suggesting.

7. It might be the curve, it might be the driver, it might have been equipment failure, you have NO information on which to base your conclusion. To suggest that prison as the solution is queer and invalid. It is doubtful this driver was looking to crash and there may be a valid reason that the accident happened. Until some information is given "hanging them high" is nothing more than lynch mob mentality.

8. I hope at least my embassy has better things to do than import the western "Nanny State" to Thailand. I don't need warning labels on everything I touch. Example: Getting falling down drunk and being rude/obnoxious in Patong at 4 AM is a bad idea and could lead to an assault, etc. But to help you here is one I will forward to my Embassy for immediate issuance: WARNING: Thailand contains actions related to real life. While on your trip you may fall down, drink too much, be over-charged, be scammed or have some type of accident. You know, like might happen in your real life somewhere else. So if you don't want to experience anything that might happen outside your own home in a foreign country. Stay home. Your concerned ambassadors.

Posted by Martin on October 26, 2011 17:21

Holiday in Phuket, a thrillseekers paradise.Traffic chaos, jet-ski and taxi thuggery, bar room brawls, motorcycle madness. Not for the faint hearted and extortion. Possibly a new market for when sensible people start to holiday somewhere safer than Phuket.

Posted by Peter on October 26, 2011 18:57

If a bus company was found to have a bus that was registered to carry XX amount of passengers and then they were "caught" with (absurd number!) 33% more than they should they should be shut down within hours and have all the buses inspected. I saw the crash, and then saw more than a few other buses from the same company hustling tourists to and fro. I bet Baht to donuts that the other buses have been "modified" to carry a bigger load than they should have. Want to make a small wager that nothing will happen?

Posted by Gemjac on October 26, 2011 20:17