A Thai publication appears to suggest that the OC500LE being operated by SMRT Buses, which we have taken for granted to be Gemilang, might not be built by Gemilang after all!
There is now a new claim that Thonburi Bus Body, Thailand might be the actual builder for the vehicles. It does sound credible enough because there are such factories (including Toyota) in Thailand. But the online document cited is currently dead when I try to download it. And other sources might have been in Thai language that we couldn't understand.
So far I have not heard of any publication that confirms that Gemilang is the builder either. Has anyone really verified by builder plate who is the true builder, or did we really ignored the builder plates for over two years? (if there is even one to begin with, I admit I haven't really looked at any close enough)
I have a feeling this is true
considering the OCs arent actually piles of shit on a good chassis
Conclusion: Thai-made buses are sturdy and good!
It could be that kits were produced by Gemilang, and TBB was contracted to assemble them.
The bodies of the Volvo B7RLEs of RapidKL and the Scania K270UBs of RapidPenang were assembled by DefTech, from kits produced by Gemilang.
It does sound possible that the bodywork is Thonburi. The OC500LE has a better bodywork compared with SBST's Scania K230UB.
Originally posted by SBS9622Y:It does sound possible that the bodywork is Thonburi. The OC500LE has a better bodywork compared with SBST's Scania K230UB.
I agree.
Cheers.
kits assembled by Gemilang, shipped over to Thonburi to be built up.

If someone is actually able to read Thai.... =S
Originally posted by sgbuses:
If someone is actually able to read Thai.... =S
Source?
Originally posted by SMB66X:Source?
Facebook! ![]()
Its like a case that had happened before.
Volgren badge but bodied by Gemilang.
WHAT?
so the bus was assembled in Thailand.
but the bodykit's made by Gemilang?
any verification that it's by Gemilang??
is there like a badge in the bus?
Originally posted by SBS9622Y:It does sound possible that the bodywork is Thonburi. The OC500LE has a better bodywork compared with SBST's Scania K230UB.
same
it's tat SMRT does not have in-house assembly facilities
Originally posted by sgbuses:
If someone is actually able to read Thai.... =S
me mother can read thai ![]()
Originally posted by TIB770T:me mother can read thai
Please assist to translate then.
Cheers.
Originally posted by SGCar:Please assist to translate then.
Cheers.
sorry my mother is now outside :(
lol... we can wait.
i told her to read it and translate,but she said its to blurry :(
ok then.
The buses are still essentially Gemilangs.
Thonburi's bodywork is much better than Gemilang's bodywork.
Originally posted by Bus and Train LoVuR:Thonburi's bodywork is much better than Gemilang's bodywork.
parts everything from Gemilang
Thonburi is macham CDGE
Just like Lego (Gemilang) is the manufacturer of the parts, you (Thonburi) are the builder and your young brother (SMRT) is the user.
There is no 'Thonburi's bodywork' in such a case.
Think the body material and design by Gemilang Coach builder.Their slogan is "Gemilang,Cemerlang dan Temberang".Anyway the fitting is much better than SBST ones.