Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport has mandated that operators and drivers ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before providing public services in preparation for the New Year's holiday 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the department is implementing measures to facilitate safe travel, including inspecting the readiness of public transport vehicles and drivers across 219 locations nationwide from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. This initiative aims to prevent and reduce road accidents during the busy holiday period, as many travelers head to their hometowns or tourist destinations.
Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, outlined procedures to ensure safety, including the verification of driver's licenses, physical fitness checks, breathalyzer tests, and strict adherence to legal driving hours. Vehicles must be structurally sound and equipped with functioning safety equipment. Driver behavior is monitored around the clock via a GPS system, with alerts provided through the DLT GPS Notice application to reduce risky behaviors. Passengers are required to wear seat belts throughout their journey.
Inspection results from December 26, 2025, showed that out of 12,714 public buses and drivers inspected, six vehicles were found defective due to issues such as malfunctioning GPS systems and unauthorized routes. No driver deficiencies were identified. The Department also monitored 52,211 vehicles using GPS, finding 156 vehicles exceeding speed limits. Additional laser camera inspections revealed 17 speeding incidents among 1,640 vehicles checked. The Department is working with transport operators and law enforcement to regulate speed compliance.
The Department received 42 complaints regarding public buses, primarily concerning failures to stop at designated points, reckless driving, and inappropriate behavior or attire by bus personnel. The Department promises prompt investigations and penalties for violations. Passengers can report issues through the 24-hour hotline 1584.