A devastating bus crash in eastern Thailand has claimed 18 lives and left 31 others injured.
The accident happened in Prachinburi province while the bus was traveling overnight from northern Thailand to Rayong province for a municipal study tour.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with the Department of Land Transport pledging to tighten safety inspections for public transport vehicles.
Thailand has long struggled with road safety, ranking among the world’s deadliest countries for traffic accidents. In recent years, several major crashes have highlighted the dangers of poor vehicle maintenance and driver fatigue.
Last October, a school trip ended in tragedy when a bus fire killed 23 students and teachers, raising concerns over safety regulations. In December, another deadly crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan province claimed 14 lives, with investigators suspecting the driver had fallen asleep.
As officials work to improve road safety, this latest accident serves as another grim reminder of the risks passengers face on Thailand’s highways.