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FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2014
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Since 2011 / Volume III / No 52
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BAN THE BUSES?
Two people died and 26 were injured when this bus crashed at the bottom of Patong Hill around 3pm on Sunday (December 29). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub
B
anning buses from Patong Hill entirely, redirecting traffic through other parts of the island, straightening the road, and introducing motorcycle lanes and permanent checkpoints are some of nine solutions proposed on Wednesday (January 1) to combat the high rate of vehicle crashes on Patong Hill. The proposals came after the ter-
rifying crash on Sunday (December 29) when a bus driver lost control of his vehicle, which careered down the hill, swiping cars and then smashing into a power pole on Phrabaramee Rd. Two people were killed and 26 injured. Some ideas were aired on Monday morning by Governor Maitree Intusut, who said, “We may issue a
new rule banning double-deck buses from going over the hill at any time.” The meeting heard that at the Kathu checkpoint, in just one day six out of 30 bus drivers searched were found to be in possession of amphetamines and one with alcohol. One truck driver who was stopped was also found to be in possession of drugs. All of these were heading
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for Patong Hill. Gov Maitree said, “We are going to call bus owners to discuss this matter seriously because they are directly affected by accidents. “To prevent accidents [such as Sunday’s bus crash], we need to increase checkpoints by 20 per cent and invite the private bus owners to discuss the problems.”
LIFE
LIFE PAGE 2
The changing face of medical tourism
SPORT
PAGE 28
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