PATTAYA, Thailand – A series of tour bus accidents across Thailand has begun to rattle confidence among foreign visitors in Pattaya, with some tourists saying they are increasingly reluctant to use long-distance buses — particularly overnight services.
For decades, Thailand’s extensive network of tour buses has been one of the cheapest and most widely used ways for travelers to explore the country. From beach towns to mountain provinces, buses connect destinations that trains and airlines sometimes do not reach easily.
But among some foreign visitors currently staying in Pattaya, confidence in the system appears to be slipping.
Several tourists say recent crash reports have made them rethink how they travel around the country.
One visitor who spent four months in Thailand between November 2025 and February 2026 said he deliberately avoided buses whenever possible.
“I traveled around Thailand almost entirely by train,” he explained. “The only two bus trips I took were from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong for a visa run and another from Phetchabun to Phitsanulok, because those routes don’t have train connections.”
For him, trains offered a greater sense of safety and predictability compared with long-distance road travel.
Other visitors say the timing of many bus accidents — often occurring late at night or during overnight journeys — adds to their concern.
“Couldn’t pay me enough to ride a Thai tour bus at night,” said one long-term visitor in Pattaya. “Especially on those long overnight trips.”
The comments reflect a broader discussion that frequently appears in online travel forums and expatriate groups. While Thailand’s bus network carries millions of passengers each year without incident, high-profile crashes can quickly damage public confidence.
Concerns raised by travelers often focus on several issues, including driver fatigue, high speeds on highways, and the pressure to maintain tight travel schedules.
Some foreign visitors say they prefer trains because they feel more controlled and less vulnerable to road conditions.
Thailand’s rail system, operated by State Railway of Thailand, covers many major routes and is undergoing modernization, though gaps remain in the network. In areas without rail links, buses remain the only practical option.
Despite the concerns, tour buses remain a vital part of Thailand’s tourism infrastructure. Millions of domestic and international travelers use them every year to reach destinations across the country.
Still, perception matters.
In a city like Pattaya — where many foreign tourists use the resort as a base for exploring the rest of Thailand — safety concerns can quickly influence travel choices.
For some visitors, the solution is simple: choose trains or flights whenever possible.
Others say they are willing to use buses, but only under certain conditions.
“I’ve used them a couple of times and the service was actually very good,” one traveler admitted. “But only during the day.”
As Thailand continues to promote tourism and encourage visitors to explore beyond major cities, maintaining confidence in the safety of long-distance transport may prove just as important as expanding the routes themselves.
A long-distance tour bus travels along a Thai highway. Some foreign visitors staying in Pattaya say recent crash reports have made them hesitant to use overnight bus services.
