Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for tighter safety standards across Thailand’s passenger bus industry and greater use of artificial intelligence in vehicle inspections. Speaking at the Thai Bus Operators Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Bangkok today (Aug 26), Phiphat placed passenger safety at the center of efforts to modernize road transport and support tourism.

Safety requirements should cover vehicles, drivers, onboard personnel, and passenger readiness for emergencies. Operators were urged to ensure travelers know the locations of emergency exits, how to open emergency doors, and what to do during an evacuation. The Department of Land Transport was also instructed to tighten vehicle inspections and driver oversight while exploring AI-assisted systems to improve inspection accuracy and efficiency.

Phiphat also called for closer coordination among transport and tourism authorities, tour companies, and bus operators. Passenger buses are often among the first services international visitors encounter after leaving airports, railway stations, or seaports, making safe vehicles, professional drivers, and quality service important to their first impressions of Thailand.

The transport minister affirmed that cooperation between government agencies and private operators will remain critical to improving service standards and delivering reliable transportation for residents and visitors.