BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has mandated strict emissions inspections at all bus depots after random checks revealed that over 58% of tested buses emitted black smoke above legal limits. The Pollution Control Department, Department of Land Transport, and Royal Thai Police inspected 36 buses at three depots on July 9 and 10. Of these, 21 failed emissions tests. At Min Buri depot, eight of 16 buses exceeded the standard. At Siam Park depot, 12 of 14 failed, and at Thammasat depot, one of six exceeded the limit. A Route 510 bus named in a public complaint met the required standard.
The inspections were prompted by complaints about black-smoke emissions from buses on Routes 26, 191, and 510. The Minister directed authorities to take legal action against all buses that fail inspection and require operators to repair engines promptly, rather than waiting for the annual PM2.5 season. He emphasized that black-smoke controls must be enforced year-round to protect public health. Public and private bus depots were also instructed to maintain engines regularly. Drivers were advised to avoid holding lower gears for extended periods, as this can increase exhaust emissions. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority plans to replace conventional buses with 1,520 electric buses. The first 500 are expected to enter service by March 2027, with the full fleet operational by May 2027, supporting cleaner and more sustainable public transportation. (NNT)
