Are we only talking about central Bangkok roads or within the Kingdom? I think we know the answer to that.
Will never happen.
Motorcycle riders and passengers not wearing helmets could be detained at a police station for an hour to encourage future compliance, said Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.
Suriya highlighted that road accidents are a major concern for the government, with a target to reduce fatalities to 12 per 100,000 people by 2030.
The Ministry of Transport is focused on improving safety through stricter laws, higher standards for driver's licenses, and vehicle regulations in line with international norms.
The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Health are also working to enhance the driver's license process with digital systems and improve health screenings and driver performance assessments. A proposal is underway to include two helmets with every motorcycle purchase, instead of one, expected to be implemented soon. Additionally, discussions with police will focus on helmet enforcement. Offenders will not be fined immediately but will be asked to wait at the station for at least an hour as a deterrent.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin noted that road traffic accidents cause an average of 18,000 deaths, over 10,000 disabilities, and more than 1 million injuries annually, with economic losses exceeding 6 billion baht per year. The Ministry of Public Health plans to improve emergency medical systems and establish 24 occupational health clinics by 2025 to assess drivers' fitness to drive.