KHON KAEN: A bus driver has been fined and temporarily relieved from duty after using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.
Viroj Viriyachan, the land transport office chief in the province, on Monday fined Manoon Kudbuakong 5,000 baht and ordered him to stop working for 30 days starting from Monday for careless driving.
The punishment came after a video clip showing him distracted from the wheel by his mobile phone was posted in social media.
The clip was apparently recorded by one of the passengers on the bus running from Khon Kaen to Roi Et.
Mr Viroj confirmed that it took place on Sept 26. The route is operated by Chana Chai Transport Co.
"The driver confessed and promised not to do it again," the official said after the driver and company owner Peerapong Ananthahasakul were summoned to the office.
The company was also fined 10,000 baht for ignoring public safety.