Thailand Cracks Down on Buses Emitting Illegal Black Smoke
Thailand's environment ministry launched inspections of intercity buses after finding 58 percent of vehicles tested exceeded black smoke emission limits, ordering immediate repairs and enforcement action across all depots nationwide.
Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department to coordinate with the Land Transport Department and National Police to conduct rigorous inspections of all intercity bus depots following spot checks on 36 buses across three depots that revealed 21 vehicles—58 percent—exceeding black smoke emission standards. The minister instructed enforcement action against all non-compliant buses and rapid engine repairs without waiting for the air pollution season. The inspection was prompted by a complaint from parliament member Suphannath Meenchaiyanan of the Thai People's Party regarding routes 26, 191, and 510. Results showed the Minburi depot detected 8 non-compliant buses out of 16 inspected, Suanluang depot found 12 out of 14, and Thammasat depot found 1 out of 6, though route 510 bus number 1-40194 that was complained about passed standards. Suchat emphasized that black smoke control must continue year-round, not just during the PM2.5 crisis period, and urged both state and private bus operators to maintain engines regularly and promote safe driving habits to reduce gear-dragging, a major cause of black smoke. Bangkok's Mass Transit Authority plans to gradually introduce 1,520 electric buses starting with 500 vehicles by March 2025 and completing the full fleet by May 2025 to improve public transport cleanliness and reduce air pollution.
