The Ministry of Education has announced the indefinite suspension of all school field trips after a tragic bus fire on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of 20 students and three teachers. The decision, revealed during a press conference on Wednesday, is aimed at prioritizing student safety in the aftermath of the devastating incident.

Officials stated that exceptions could be made for certain trips deemed essential, but strict conditions will apply. Specifically, for students below the 4th grade, all trips outside their home province are cancelled, and any authorized trips must involve parental accompaniment.
The Ministry emphasized that any decisions regarding essential trips will be taken on a case-by-case basis, with a strong focus on ensuring the safety of both students and teachers.
In response to the incident, the Disaster Relief Fund Committee, under the Office of the Prime Minister, has approved compensation for the victims and their families. The following amounts have been designated:
- 1,000,000 baht for each deceased individual to cover funeral expenses
- 700,000 baht for those left disabled
- 200,000 baht for individuals with serious injuries
- 100,000 baht for those with minor injuries
Families of the deceased will receive a total of 2.39 million baht in compensation.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has formed a committee to investigate the cause of the fire. The committee will work with related agencies to assess the bus’s structural integrity and recommend improvements for other vehicles carrying large groups. Discussions are also underway to introduce regulations that would restrict double-decker buses from operating on out-of-province routes, limiting their use to city transport.

The cremations for the 23 victims are set to take place today (October 8) in Uthai Thani province, sponsored by His Majesty the King.