Thai Government Urged to Boost Road Safety During Songkran Festivities

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of NBT world

 

The Thai government is coming under pressure to introduce stronger anti-drunk driving and road safety campaigns ahead of Thailand’s Songkran festival, set to commence next month. This crucial plea emerged from the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris.

 

The summit hosts Kelly Larson, an Injury Prevention Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, who urged Thailand to address the alarming rate of road traffic incidents during the festive period.

 

Songkran, known for its vibrant water celebrations, spans April 13 to 15, but travellers start journeys earlier. These mass movements result in what is ominously known as the "seven dangerous days," where road accidents surge. Last year’s figures were particularly grim, with 287 fatalities and 2,060 injuries reported from 2,044 traffic accidents during the period.

 

Bloomberg Philanthropies, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and Vital Strategies, supports 74 cities globally, including several in Thailand, in their efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases and injuries through effective policy implementations. Larson lauded Thailand’s existing efforts but emphasised the need for persistent advocacy and enforcement.

 

While the Thai government has established several road safety laws, Larson and other experts from the summit insist on renewed vigour in enforcement. Specifically, cooperation with the Royal Thai Police is vital for an effective crackdown on drunk driving and speeding violations during this high-risk period.

 

Media engagement is also cited as a critical component. Effective communication campaigns can amplify safety messages and behavioural change among drivers and road users, highlighting the risks and raising public awareness effectively.

 

 

 

 

Furthermore, Ariella Rojhani of Partnership for Healthy Cities stressed the importance of accurate data collection to monitor and address road safety threats timely. By comparing data trends, interventions can be deployed strategically, a method proven effective in places like Argentina, where New Year celebrations see similar risks.

 

Phrae province saw the most injuries, with 80 recorded, whereas Chiang Rai had the unwanted distinction of the highest fatality rate, evidencing that targeted measures in high-risk areas might be particularly needed.

 

To aid in this initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies facilitated a staggering THB 18.3 billion ($500 million) since 2007 towards global road safety efforts, suggesting that Thailand could benefit from similar strategic interventions.

 

The call for action aims to significantly curb the annual road casualties and fatalities typical of Songkran. Ensuring safer travels during this beloved national holiday is not just a governmental task but a societal one.

 

Efforts must align across enforcement agencies, media channels, policymakers, and civilians, working towards zero fatalities on Thailand's roads this Songkran festival. As preparations for this happy occasion take shape, it is hoped these campaigns will see fewer lives lost and allow Bookish celebrations to shine with joy and safety, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

 

[Geoffggi]

Copy, Paste & Repeat year on year

[Crossy]

11 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

Copy, Paste & Repeat year on year

 

Yup, dejá-vu is alive and well.

 

[FolkGuitar]

Better have another meeting and discuss what we haven't done for the past 50 years, just in case we might do it this year.

[Lucky Bones]

Paris is telling Thailand how to operate?

Oh hang on......we have Thoxin & Missy.

[HappyExpat57]

22 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

Copy, Paste & Repeat year on year

I have it memorized.

[rumeaug]

Right. Didn't they just agree to boost advertising for alcohol? 

[lordgrinz]

If they want real results, they need to enforce driving laws for 365 days a year, not just these intermittent dog and pony shows for the press.

[worgeordie]

Every year ,every holiday you hear the same , but it means nowt ,

 

regards worgeordie 

[newbee2022]

Much relieved now.

Only over Songkran.

I was already confused they would do it for 365 days...😂