Govt criticised for closing road for bus blaze merit-making ceremony

Thai motorists criticised government officials for closing Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road yesterday to host a merit-making ceremony for the 23 victims of the tragic bus blaze, which caused heavier-than-usual traffic congestion.

The fire broke out on a coach bus carrying students and teachers from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School during a field trip on October 1, resulting in the deaths of 23 students and teachers. This incident is considered one of the most tragic road accidents of the year.

To honour the innocent victims, a merit-making ceremony was held yesterday, November 25, at the site of the incident on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road. The families of the victims attended the ceremony alongside Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and other officials.

The ceremony was filled with grief, as many parents were still struggling to come to terms with the loss of their beloved children.

The road was closed from midnight until noon to accommodate the ceremony. The Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Office, which oversees the road, informed local motorists of the planned closure on Friday, November 22.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area during the ceremony to prevent traffic congestion. However, some drivers either did not receive the notice or had no alternative routes to reach their destinations, leading to significant traffic disruptions.

Many people criticised the government for choosing an inappropriate location and time for the ceremony. They pointed out that Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road is typically busy on Monday mornings, making it unsuitable for closure. They suggested that there were numerous alternative venues where the event could have been held.

Some also proposed that the ceremony should have been scheduled for a weekend or public holiday to minimise disruption for commuters heading to work on a Monday.

According to a report by Channel 7, the ceremony’s organisers responded to the criticism by explaining their decision to hold the event on the road.

The organisers stated that residents expressed unease since the bus fire occurred at the site and urged officials to hold the ceremony there to restore good fortune to the road.

Additionally, according to traditional beliefs, the souls of the deceased could only find peace if the ceremony was conducted at the exact location of the tragedy.