Report Rising Pedestrian Deaths Highlight Urgent Need for Enhanced Safety Measures

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

A recent report from the Department of Disease Control reveals a shocking increase in pedestrian fatalities, with 5,066 deaths recorded between 2015 and 2024, averaging 506 annually. This spike underscores the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures.

 

The report identifies reckless driving, substandard footpaths, and hazards like street furniture as primary causes of these accidents. Additionally, distracted walking—such as using mobile phones while crossing—contributes significantly to the problem.

 

The situation worsened following the tragic 2023 death of Dr Waraluck "Kratai" Supawatjariyakul on a pedestrian crossing in Bangkok, which spurred a much-needed safety campaign. Despite efforts, pedestrian fatalities rose to 0.63% last year, reflecting persistent law enforcement failings.

 

This issue hit home again with the tragic death of 76-year-old Adul Hanphong-kittikul, struck on a zebra crossing in Phrae. Such incidents reveal the inefficacy of current infrastructure investments and highlight the need for rigorous enforcement of traffic laws.

 

The capital city’s footpaths, often misused by motorcyclists, exemplify these challenges. Poor footpath design, narrow pathways, and uneven surfaces exacerbate risks, particularly for the elderly.

 

The lack of political commitment is a significant barrier to progress. While officials often promise improvements following high-profile incidents, actions rarely follow these reassurances. The real focus remains on road expansion rather than pedestrian safety.

 

Recently, the government allocated a substantial budget to transport infrastructure, including road safety initiatives. However, without concrete goals and accountability, this funding risks being squandered, potentially leading to more accidents.

 

To protect pedestrians effectively, authorities must prioritise law enforcement, improve infrastructure design, and ensure safety investments are strategically deployed. A proactive approach is crucial to reversing this concerning trend and safeguarding lives.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-26

 

 

[angryguy]

Youd think that thais would be more careful crossing the street but they have to start walking or else the drivers are never gonna stop. Its like a game of chicken, high stakes

[ezflip]

44 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

 

To protect pedestrians effectively, authorities must prioritise law enforcement, improve infrastructure design, and ensure safety investments are strategically deployed. A proactive approach is crucial to reversing this concerning trend and safeguarding lives.

or driver's Ed...like other countries do... Naahhh, much to simple.

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

A recent report from the Department of Disease Control reveals a shocking increase in pedestrian fatalities

In other news a report released by the Dept. of Road Safety reveals more teenagers are getting pimples.

[richard_smith237]

The article is bang on the money....  

[DezLez]

21 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

In other news a report released by the Dept. of Road Safety reveals more teenagers are getting pimples.

A crass comment on a serious subject!

[dinsdale]

7 minutes ago, DezLez said:

A crass comment on a serious subject!

Lighten up mate. Do you not find it a bit odd that a department concerned with disease reports on pedestrian deaths? Every year there's a report or two like this. Nothing will ever happen until Thai driver's change their driving attitude. Do you honestly think this will happen? Crossing roads here is dangerous and that's a fact and pedestrian crossings mean nothing if there are no traffic lights linked to them. Even then you have to watch out for idiots blasting through red lights.

[DezLez]

5 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Lighten up mate. Do you not find it a bit odd that a department concerned with disease reports on pedestrian deaths? Every year there's a report or two like this. Nothing will ever happen until Thai driver's change their driving attitude. Do you honestly think this will happen? Crossing roads here is dangerous and that's a fact and pedestrian crossings mean nothing if there are no traffic lights linked to them. Even then you have to watch out for idiots blasting through red lights.

What has that drivel got to do with your crass comment; "the Dept. of Road Safety reveals more teenagers are getting pimples."

[dinsdale]

6 minutes ago, DezLez said:

What has that drivel got to do with your crass comment; "the Dept. of Road Safety reveals more teenagers are getting pimples."

It called irony mate. Department of Disease Control reports on road safety whereas the Department of Road Safety reports on disease. Can you explain how disease and pedestrian deaths are linked?

[DezLez]

31 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

It called irony mate. Department of Disease Control reports on road safety whereas the Department of Road Safety reports on disease. Can you explain how disease and pedestrian deaths are linked?

I am not your mate and never will be.

Your statement is still crass has has no bearing on your ridiculously unconnected question.

 

[quake]

No surprise, when hit and run is acceptable behavior on the roads here.

and a red traffic  lights are  ignored,

Also pedestrian crossings, are just treated as kill zones by drivers.

No one cares,  at all.

T.I.T.

 

[dinsdale]

20 minutes ago, DezLez said:

I am not your mate and never will be.

Your statement is still crass has has no bearing on your ridiculously unconnected question.

 

No worries mate.

[Emdog]

It seems to boil down to there is no visible functioning police force out in the streets, so there is no consequence for violating any and every traffic law.

[The Cyclist]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

averaging 506 annually

 

Pretty good numbers for Thailand

 

UK Figures

 

2016	448	6,507	16,595	23,550	12.63
2017	470	6,497	16,838	23,805	13.20
2018	456	6,662	15,314	22,432	13.50
2019	470	6,421	14,879	21,770	13.24
2020	346	4,318	10,086	14,750	14.24
2021	361	4,967	11,326	16,654	13.68
2022	385	5,889	13,053	19,327	14.52
2023	405