Bangkok to Discuss Emergency Vehicle Regulation to Address Foundation Conflicts

[Georgealbert]

 

File picture for reference only.

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to convene a meeting to regulate emergency response vehicles to address issues arising from disputes between charitable foundations. The discussion will aim to foster better understanding and cooperation regarding operational areas among the eight foundations involved.

 

On 5th February, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Ms. Tawida Kamolvej, revealed that due to the complexity and traffic congestion in the city, the emergency medical response system must be enhanced to ensure faster access to patients. This requires a network of emergency vehicles, a topic that has not been broadly addressed in the past.

 

The upcoming 9th National Local Government Emergency Medical Conference, taking place from 13th to 15th March, will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and building a network to improve the emergency medical system in Bangkok. Although several issues have been discussed before, many, particularly coordination between agencies in different operational areas, remain unresolved.

 

In an effort to improve response times, the BMA has introduced technology to assist, including motorcycles equipped with basic medical equipment and telemedicine systems linking physicians from hospitals to remotely assess patients’ conditions. This technology helps reach patients faster, even during heavy traffic. An online map system is also being developed to track the location of all emergency vehicles in the city, including those from the Erawan Emergency Medical Centre and the 11 BMA-affiliated hospitals.

 

The meeting will also focus on finding solutions and exchanging ideas with other local agencies to improve the emergency medical service system. The BMA will discuss the standards for hiring and training personnel, particularly for emergency vehicles, ensuring proper regulation of vehicle operation, patient pickup, area boundaries, and worker care.

 

The BMA oversees a network of eight foundations, including Poh Tek Tung Foundation, Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Rom Sai Foundation, Jitaklim Foundation, Hoo Kok Tung (Phrun) Foundation, Assa Nong Jok Foundation, Siam Ruam Jai Foundation (Poo In), and Koo Cheep Gub Daeng. Together, these foundations operate 1,100 emergency vehicles, coordinated with the Department of Land Transport, the Royal Thai Police, and the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand.

 

While the BMA has sufficient emergency vehicles, additional coordination may be necessary during peak traffic hours. The BMA is open to including additional foundations in the emergency medical network, provided they meet certain standards, including vehicle specifications, skills, and operational regulations. Discussions will also focus on ensuring smooth cooperation between teams from different areas to avoid conflicts and improve patient care.

 

-- 2025-02-06

 

 

[ikke1959]

It think it is important that all lights and sounds should be forbidden  on all cars except for the emergency cars as police/ambulance/and firefighters. And these cars are only allowed to use them in real emergencies, not to make the way free to drive easily for them.  i noticed several times that ambulances are using their lights only to drive on and stop at a place with nothing to do with an emergency or that police cars use their lights for escorting busses on a trip, which is not an emergency... Even when there is a busy road car drivers use the emergency lane to pass or to go faster. High fines should be given for that, as an ambulance will be hindered too if needed. So keep a lane free. And the people behind the steering wheel and use the lights and/or sounds without emergency should be fined too. It are not toys, same as people who don't give free way..

 

But driving around on Thai roads there are so many vehicles that have red and blue lights flickering all the time and many are not even emergency ones.. no for example a car from a garage to pick up a car after an accident flashes these lights, a minivan wants tog

 go faster and use these lights and many more examples.. Lately I saw a car with a speedboat at the back with lights....everybody has to move. If it is clear for the public and the people who drive these emergency vehicles than traffic will be easier.. Now it is unclear.. Only give free way for vehicles with sound and lights.. all the rest is not needed even not for guided busses

 

If people follow the rules there will be less problems and in Bangkok and all over Thailand,but by a lack of any enforcement of any rule it will stay a mess.. The RTP just has to go to work instead of  raiding all kind of minor issues with too many officers.....