This is the moment a bus burst into flames on the roadside sending terrified passengers fleeing in Bangkok.

The vehicle had been driving along Ratchawithi Road near a mall when it caught fire at 5:30 pm local time on January 15.

Footage shows the burning bus emitting white smoke that wafted toward other cars and shops.

The driver had parked it on the shoulder, allowing shocked passengers to escape before it was engulfed by the flames.

Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire in 30 minutes with no one reported injured.

It is believed an oil leakage in the engine compartment had caused the blaze. Investigations are ongoing.

Officials have previously vowed to replace the aging fleet of gas guzzlers with environmentally friendly electric buses but the diesel engine vehicles are still on the roads.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said 1,2500 electric buses will be put on the roads this year and the government hopes to have up to 8,000 within three years.