The government is enforcing strict safety measures for student transport vehicles nationwide ahead of the new school term, emphasizing vehicle condition checks, brake system inspections, GPS installation, and monitoring driving behavior to enhance safety for student travel.
On 18 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government prioritizes the safety of children and youth traveling to and from school. This is achieved through collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport, and related agencies to raise standards for student transport vehicles nationwide, reassuring parents and reducing road accident risks ahead of the new academic term starting this May.
The Deputy Spokesperson explained that the Ministry of Transport has assigned the Department of Land Transport to expedite measures ensuring the readiness of student transport vehicles nationwide. Provincial transport offices are instructed to closely coordinate with schools to have vehicles inspected, especially their brake systems. Vehicles failing to meet standards must be promptly repaired before returning to service, enhancing safety for students and all road users.
Additionally, the Department of Land Transport has partnered with the Ministry of Education to develop a database of student transport vehicles via the website schoolbussafety.dlt.go.th. This database supports supervision and development of safer, standardized student transport systems. The initiative also promotes using GPS technology to track vehicle locations and monitor driving behavior, thereby improving travel safety.
Furthermore, the government is advancing standards for student transport service providers by increasing driver and attendant training on child safety. It is also studying the implementation of special license plates specifically for student transport vehicles to enhance supervision and provide visible cues for other road users to exercise greater caution near these vehicles.
At the same time, the government is expanding the “New Generation Students Obtain Driver’s Licenses” program to instill traffic discipline and safety awareness among youth. Additional safety training is also promoted for public transport and truck drivers to elevate overall road safety standards.
“The government prioritizes safe travel for children and youth and will continue to raise standards for student transport vehicles through cooperation among all sectors to create a safe travel system and instill confidence in parents nationwide,” the spokesperson said.