New measures mandate licensed drivers, onboard attendants, emergency gear, and proper vehicle signage to ensure safer daily commutes for students nationwide. PATTAYA, Thailand – Authorities are stepping up safety measures for student transport vehicles following a sharp rise in accidents and fatalities. According to official data, there were 40 student transport accidents in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths. In the first two months of 2025, six more incidents have already been reported, leaving more than 60 students injured. The Department of Land Transport revealed that while only 3,342 vehicles are officially registered as student transport, over 45,000 are estimated to operate without authorization. This puts more than 540,000 Thai and foreign students at risk of using unsafe and unregulated services. To address the issue, the government has reminded all operators to comply with legal safety standards. Requirements include proper vehicle registration, secure seating, visible school bus signage, emergency equipment on board, and regular vehicle inspections. Drivers must hold valid public transport licenses with at least three years of experience, and an adult attendant must supervise students throughout the journey. Schools have also been urged to review their transportation arrangements and improve safety infrastructure around school premises, including traffic flow and signage. Transport providers are expected to complete vehicle checks and ensure full compliance before the new school term begins. Authorities stress that student safety must come first and warn that violations will not be tolerated. Inspections and enforcement will continue to reduce risks and prevent further accidents. (NNT)