Fast & Furious buses in Bangkok
Other than speedy journeys on tuk tuks and motorbike taxis in Thailand, we have to pay more attention to our safety on public buses too. In this case, passengers were reported to have fled from 2 buses in Bangkok after the drivers dangerously raced with each other to win the spot at the next stop.
The drivers were fined and suspended
On 22nd August 2020, a Facebook user รัน สีลม shared a video that showed two orange buses racing along the road.
Translation: Our beloved Route 1 buses. A public bus is not a racing car. As the cameraman who followed them behind, I’m scared too.
This bus is known among locals as “Mini Bus Route 1” which normally services people from Charoen Krung Road to Siphraya Junction.
In the video, the two buses could be seen travelling faster than normal and also swerving into the opposite lane in attempts to overtake each other. The bus drivers ignored all passengers and other cars and turned the road into their personal racetrack.
Their aim was to “win” the next stop in order to get more passengers and more fares.
Finally, both buses had to stop at a traffic light. The two drivers got out and fought each other while many passengers quickly rushed out from the buses for their safety.
Charoen Krung Road lies in a community area, so lots of people could have been affected if an accident had taken place.
After the video went viral, the bus Drivers, together with their employers, were called to pay the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority a visit. They were then fined ฿1,000 and suspended from work.
Image credit: CH3 Thailand
There are no reports of any accidents or injuries, but we hope that incidents like this will never happen again.
If you have to travel around Bangkok, we recommend planning your journey to avoid a jam while also focusing on your safety.
Also read:
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- Foodpanda Drivers In Phuket Pranked With Fake Address, Had To Buy ~100 Items With Their Own Money
Featured image adapted from: รัน สีลม
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