Held for the 13th time, the Bus & Truck Expo in Bangkok, Thailand, saw some new approaches to transporting passengers.


Although visibly smaller in size, with only a test drive activity happening outdoors, the event was nonetheless interesting for those involved in the transport industry. Especially buses took centre stage as there were several activities and exhibitors present with innovations to show. Several companies showcased their GPS and fleet management systems. This should not surprise anyone as the use of tracking systems is compulsory in Thailand.

Main sponsor for the event was PTT, Thailand’s petrochemical giant. Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) was established on December 29, 1978, concurrently in the period of the second world crisis of petroleum shortages. Thus, PTT commenced its primary mission in expediting to procure adequate oil for domestic consumption. That was such a drive for PTT to seek additional indigenous petroleum reservoirs for the benefit of the country. As a result, Thailand has been able to increase energy security.

Highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in the industry was the award for the bus bodies, awarded by the organisers of the 2016 Bus & Truck Expo, TTF. On display were the three winners, whereby the first and second place went to bus bodies built onto Scania chassis with the third place being a bus body sat onto a Volvo frame. Visitors were invited to inspect the buses from the inside and outside.

One exotic bus on display was a four-axle, long distance double-deck coach from Laos. This bus wasn’t just long, it was also very comfortable with huge seats that featured individual TVs and a lot of build-in comfort.

Anticipating a change in the legislation for smaller buses, Mercedes-Benz, through their Distributor Asia Truck Co., Ltd, was displaying their OF 917 chassis. While the Hilux is hugely popular as a mini-bus, there may soon be a move to forbid these as a means of transporting people. The OF 917, with some 8.5 meters length and the ability to fit a body to sit 24 persons would be an ideal vehicle for tour operators, companies and for inner-city commutes.