Thailand advances transport safety standards

Thailand

Strengthens traveller confidence and promotes safe, sustainable journeys across Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with public and private transport partners, has launched the “Tiew Thua Thai, Un Jai Thuk Sen Tang” (literally translated as ‘travelling around Thailand, safe on every route’) initiative to elevate national travel safety standards through internationally recognised certification. The programme introduces the “Trusted Certified” mark as a visible assurance of quality for travellers ahead of this year’s Songkran festival.

The initiative was announced by Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, alongside Ms. Thanaporn Sararam, Head of the Passenger Transport Development and Promotion Group at the Department of Land Transport (DLT), and Mr. Natchanon Manprasat, Director of B2B Business at Siam Michelin Co., Ltd., with senior executives from Sombat Tour (Thep Sombat Co., Ltd.), Nakhonchai Air Co., Ltd., and Rot Rungruang Co., Ltd. also in attendance.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae said, “This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening tourism safety standards through a credible, internationally aligned certification framework. The ‘Trusted Certified’ mark is designed to build confidence across the entire journey while supporting sustainable tourism growth by connecting quality-assured transport networks to secondary destinations.”

TAT continues to advance this direction under the “Trusted Thailand” platform, focusing on safety, service quality, and emergency preparedness in collaboration with stakeholders across all sectors.

Ms. Thanaporn Sararam said the collaboration establishes a more integrated travel ecosystem grounded in quality standards, ensuring greater convenience, comfort, and safety for travellers, while strengthening long-term confidence in Thailand’s transport system. Meanwhile, Mr. Natchanon Manprasat added that Michelin is advancing tyre technology and standards for passenger buses under its “Total Performance” philosophy, balancing safety, durability, and fuel efficiency, while supporting route development through its “Promote Hidden Gem” concept to expand access to emerging destinations nationwide.

Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, and Rot Rungruang have committed to rigorous vehicle maintenance and operational standards, working with Michelin to enhance fleet management, efficiency, and service delivery. Measures include professional driver standards, vehicle readiness inspections, quality equipment and tyre selection, and expanded route connectivity.

Each partner plays a complementary role within the collaboration, with TAT promoting and certifying tourism standards through the “Trusted Thailand” mark, the Department of Land Transport regulating and certifying public buses through the “Q Bus” programme, Michelin Thailand providing technology and innovation, and operators expanding route networks linking major and secondary cities while enhancing the overall passenger experience.

With Songkran approaching, the partnership encourages travellers to choose certified public buses to enhance safety, ease road congestion, and reduce the impact of fuel price volatility, reinforcing a shared commitment to elevating travel standards and strengthening trust in Thailand’s transport system.