The Transport Department explains it will not register large vehicles with old engines imported from abroad, emphasizing they do not meet Euro 5 pollution standards under environmental policy, expressing concern over PM 2.5 dust pollution.
. Mr. Sonthiya SawatdeeAs the founder of the Dharma Rat Party, Mr. Sonthiya Sawatdee plans to file complaints with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the Department of Land Transport and the Industrial Product Standards Office (ISO). He alleges a lack of transparency and possible corruption regarding their refusal to register large vehicles with old engines and used vehicle bodies imported from abroad, causing harm to operators. The investigation will cover both the Department of Land Transport and the ISO.
This prompted the relevant agencies to respond. Mr. Thitiphat Thaijongrak, Director of the Automotive Engineering Bureau and spokesperson for the Department of Land Transport, explained that following the directive of Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, they are expediting clarification to the public and operators concerning concerns raised about the department’s and the ISO’s refusal to register trucks assembled with old engines and old imported chassis.
The Department of Land Transport clarifies that vehicle standards oversight in Thailand involves both the Industrial Product Standards Office and the Department of Land Transport. The ISO is responsible for emission standard inspections, which are set at Euro 5 level according to the environmental policy and PM 2.5 concerns of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Meanwhile, the Department of Land Transport is responsible for engineering standard inspections, including vehicle strength, stability, and safety of parts and systems based on international standards (UN Regulations), as well as vehicle registration for road use.
The department’s spokesperson added that since the ISO is currently reviewing the issuance of Euro 5 standard certificates, the Department of Land Transport cannot proceed with registrations at this time.
The Department of Land Transport is coordinating with the ISO to verify the validity of previously issued Euro 5 standard certificates. If these certificates meet the criteria, registrations will be considered. Additionally, in the long term, the department plans to propose to the Ministry of Commerce to limit the import of old chassis to reduce risks associated with assembling trucks from old parts. This aligns with the policy banning the import of used (old) vehicles and aims to sustainably reduce air pollution.