Double-decker slams into steel barrier at Phaya Thai intersection — no injuries, but shaken confidence. PATTAYA, Thailand – A recent double-decker bus crash in central Bangkok has reignited safety concerns among foreign visitors, many of whom already harbor deep skepticism toward Thailand’s road safety standards and public transport systems. The latest incident has left Pattaya-bound tourists visibly shaken, with some reconsidering their travel plans altogether. On the evening of July 18, a private company’s double-decker tour bus slammed into a steel height restriction barrier at the Phaya Thai intersection on Si Ayutthaya Road. The collision, which occurred around 7:53 p.m., sheared the roof of the bus in half, sparking panic among onlookers and causing severe traffic congestion stretching all the way back to Chaturathit and Bueng Makkasan. Miraculously, there were no passengers onboard at the time of the crash, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. Authorities confirmed the bus had attempted to enter an overpass clearly marked with a 3.10-meter height limit — a route explicitly barred to vehicles over six wheels. “Had this bus been carrying tourists, it could have been a tragedy,” said a Pattaya tour operator, noting that several clients reconsidered their intercity trips after hearing the news. “Double-decker buses are convenient for group travel, but this incident shook everyone’s confidence.” Incident adds to growing concern among visitors over road safety and driver awareness. Foreign visitors — especially long-term tourists and retirees — have long voiced concern over Thailand’s traffic rules, driver training standards, and vehicle maintenance. For many, this incident is the latest in a string of warnings. “I love Thailand, but I won’t set foot in a double-decker bus here,” said one European tourist staying in Jomtien. “Between speeding, reckless overtakes, and low-clearance infrastructure, it feels like an accident waiting to happen.” While the Thai government has made efforts in recent years to address road safety through stricter licensing requirements and occasional crackdowns, enforcement remains patchy. Many height clearance signs are ignored or obscured, and GPS systems used by drivers often fail to warn of low-clearance hazards. In tourist cities like Pattaya, where group tours to nearby attractions like Koh Larn, Khao Chee Chan or Khao Kheow are common, concerns are now mounting that even a short ride might end in disaster. Operators urged to reassess vehicle choices amid renewed scrutiny of Thailand’s transport standards. Tourist agencies are now under pressure to reconsider the use of double-decker buses, particularly in urban areas where overhead infrastructure can pose hidden dangers. Some have begun switching to single-deck coaches or minivans, which are viewed as safer and more maneuverable on Thailand’s unpredictable roads. “Safety should not be optional,” a German visitor commented online. “If Thailand wants to be a top global destination, it must prove that getting from point A to point B won’t become a headline.” As investigations into the Bangkok crash continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder that in a country with some of the world’s highest road fatality rates, trust is not easily earned — and once lost, it can take more than a smooth ride to restore. Bangkok bus horror sparks panic among Pattaya tourists after roof-shearing crash.