BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on October 3 that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) surpassed its revenue target in fiscal year 2024, collecting 94 billion baht, exceeding the initial projection of 90 billion baht. This surplus is largely attributed to increased land and building tax collection, which will be used for additional expenditures. Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of using the funds wisely, ensuring that the city’s budget is balanced between revenues and expenditures.
During the 10th meeting of the BMA’s departmental heads, Governor Chadchart also addressed the issue of school buses and student safety. He stressed the need for stricter safety inspections for both buses and drivers, particularly for field trips organized by the BMA.
Bangkok’s fleet of approximately 80 buses, used mainly by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for transporting athletes to competitions, will undergo more rigorous quality checks. Governor Chadchart also mentioned that the Terms of Reference (TOR) for hiring external bus services, especially for school field trips, would be reviewed to ensure uniform safety standards across all schools. This includes evaluating the type of buses used, such as whether to allow gas-powered or double-decker buses, and ensuring all safety equipment is properly inspected.
Although the BMA provides 300 baht per student for field trips, which typically take place within Bangkok, Governor Chadchart stressed that even for shorter trips, safety must be a priority. He noted that additional precautions might be necessary for very young children, such as kindergarten students. While he did not order a halt to field trips, he urged schools to carefully assess safety risks and ensure proper safety measures are in place.
Regarding scouting activities, Governor Chadchart mentioned that the BMA operates its own camps in Don Mueang and Thung Khru. He recommended avoiding unnecessary travel outside Bangkok to minimize potential risks to students, as the BMA is responsible for their safety.
In conclusion, Governor Chadchart reiterated the importance of maintaining high safety standards for all BMA vehicles. BMA-owned buses will be inspected by both the BMA’s Mechanical Workshop Division and the Department of Land Transport, with the BMA’s inspections expected to exceed external standards. Vehicles hired from outside must also comply with legal inspection requirements.
“We are committed to ensuring that the safety standards of our buses are thoroughly reviewed. Our internal checks will be even more stringent than the legal requirements,” Governor Chadchart stated.
