Recently, the Thai authorities passed a law prohibiting standing on the back of a songthaew. This has angered some operators who believe it could negatively impact their business. However, one cannot ignore the fact that this decision was made in the interests of passenger safety. Many people, especially during rush hours, stand on the back of the platform to drive faster and more comfortably, but this is a serious hazard on the roads.
Indeed, passengers standing in the back deck are at much greater risk, especially at high speeds or when making sharp turns. Some operators claim they can't always prevent passengers from standing in the back, but they are required by law to not allow passengers to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Priority should be given to the safety of passengers over the benefit of operators.
However, the ban on standing on the back deck is not the only change in the law. Songthaew drivers are now restricted to speeds of 60 km/h, which is causing some concern for operators operating outside the city. However, this speed limit is another important step towards improving road safety. Traffic accidents are too common in Thailand and any action to reduce them should be welcomed.
