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.

[richard_smith237]

The article is bang on the money....  

[dinsdale]

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.

[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.

 

[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

 

 

[harada]

11 hours ago, Emdog said:

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.

Unless your  farang, $$$

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This spike underscores the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures.

Thais have very little respect for pedestrians... guild all the crossing points you like, even traffic light governed, and they will be ignored.

[AhFarangJa]

There is an unseen, but established hierarchy on Thai roads. In order of importance are....... Hi-so Drivers in expensive cars are at the top, next comes your average car owner along with delivery trucks / pick ups, then come the motorbikes, along with their various additions, after that there are the pushbikes, and finally, you, the pedestrian, at the bottom of the pecking order. Lorries and buses can be placed anywhere in the group depending how rich the owners are. In the countryside Buffalo and Cows are at the top.

[fredwiggy]

Nothing is going to help this situation as the driving habits and lack of care for others here overrules everything. In the US, the pedestrian has the right of way, especially in crosswalks and parking lots. Here, you have to watch out for you and yours as the cars will likely not stop when you are going into stores or crossing the streets. Don't trust any driver and you'll stay alive longer. 

[dallen52]

Its basically a combination of things in Thailand. 

No knowledge of the road laws.

Disregard of road laws.

Giving way to pedestrians especially on crossings.

Undertaking where people pass on the left hand side. 

DIU...

Road traffic policing...

And on its goes..

 

[drgoon]

13 hours 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.

 

Hmm... Department of Road Safety recommends you continue your medication. You seem to be getting a little more tense, evidenced by your inability to recognise humour

[wensiensheng]

16 hours ago, angryguy said:

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

Would be more careful?

 

Are you kidding? Most people treat crossing the road as if they are taking their life in their hands….which they literally are.

 

Talk about victim blaming.

[newbee2022]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

 

To repeat these loop like articles didn't change anything in the past and I have my doubts for the near future.

We all know it's substandard, and we all know how easy it is to get a driver license, and we all know, what has to done.

However......😳

[drgoon]

I have on occasion waited at traffic light controlled intersections with a police box and officers on duty. They stand there watching vehicles ignore the red lights and proceed through the pedestrians trying to cross the road.

 

Last week, I watched a woman step out to cross, there was a clearly visible red light for all traffic. A car drove right up to her and she stopped, pointed at the red light and stood her ground. It was only when the driver nudged her that the police did anything. They spoke to him briefly then went back to whatever they were doing.

 

[save the frogs]

They dont want pedestrians.

Because not owning a vehicle is not contributing to GDP.

That's why it will never be too safe or comfortable for pedestrians. 

 

[ChrisKC]

45 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thais have very little respect for pedestrians... guild all the crossing points you like, even traffic light governed, and they will be ignored.

Did it occur to you that pedestrians are Thai as well, except when they are driving - the same in fact! 

[La fa]

no police presence, no accountability , zero reason for change

 

[DualSportBiker]

14 hours ago, DezLez said:

Do you honestly think this will happen?

It can and does happen. I have significant exposure to the changes.

 

When I started riding motorcycles upcountry here, there was no way in hell any car would move out of the way of a faster bike. That behaviour persisted until the mid 2010s when there was a clear and distinct change in driver habit. I won't bore you with how change was effected, but now when I ride a slight majority move out of the right-hand lane when I approach. A good half of those signal before they more left.

 

On top of that, behaviour around ambulances has improved significantly here in Bangkok. Again, this was not the case for many years, but now there is every chance that almost all drivers will move out of the way. Could they do better? Sure - they seem to not notice until the ambulance is upon them, but they do move.

 

Your negativity and unfounded belief that Thais will not change is one of the assumptive behaviours Thais ascribe to us all. I have to make an effort to differentiate myself from you and your ilk.

[zackxx]

The pedestrian crossing that Dr Waraluck "Kratai" Supawatjariyakul died on while hit by a policeman (out of uniform) who was riding a "superbike" is right in front of my Condo. Kratai used to live in the same building. That crossing now has traffic lights to stop traffic while you cross. 

 

Pedestrian crossings in Thailand do not have the same "road rules" as in western countries. Stand at a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights in Thailand waiting to cross and it's up to motorists to decide whether they want to stop or not. Overseas it is commonly compulsory, by law, to stop. And in Thailand, even if a car, or cars have stopped there's always the chance a motorcyclist comes whizzing though those stationary cars.

 

My attitude in Thailand while crossing a road in Thailand is always give way to motorists whether your at a pedestrian crossing or not. If you don't do this you may be the party to lose out, maybe with your life.

[lordgrinz]

11 minutes ago, zackxx said:

The pedestrian crossing that Dr Waraluck "Kratai" Supawatjariyakul died on while hit by a policeman (out of uniform) who was riding a "superbike" is right in front of my Condo. Kratai used to live in the same building. That crossing now has traffic lights to stop traffic while you cross. 

 

Pedestrian crossings in Thailand do not have the same "road rules" as in western countries. Stand at a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights in Thailand waiting to cross and it's up to motorists to decide whether they want to stop or not. Overseas it is commonly compulsory, by law, to stop. And even if a car, or cars have stopped there's always the chance a motorcyclist comes whizzing though those stationary cars.

 

My attitude in Thailand while crossing a road in Thailand is always give way to motorists whether your at a pedestrian crossing or not. If you don't do this you may be the party to lose out, maybe with your life.

 

I've kicked a few doors of idiots trying to hit me in a Zebra crossing, and smacked a few mirrors with a school bag, still no takers getting out of the car to confront me, the most I ever got was a curse comment out the window.  I'm waiting though, I want to make the news for ripping a Thai persons head off their body with my bare hands in the middle of a Zebra crossing. Please God, make my wish come true! 🙏

[alien365]

Is this relating to the whole country or just Bangkok? I thought it was just Bangkok, but then they talked about Phrae

[proton]

Even on crossings with dedicated lights and time displays in red and green they still dont all stop, bikes are some of the least likely to.

[PeeJayEm]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the inefficacy of current infrastructure investments and highlight the need for rigorous enforcement of traffic laws.

... meaning drivers still ignore pedestrian crossings even though these are painted red and have flashing lights.  - Police should be stoping and fining drivers who charge through these crossings - easy to do and good money to be made!  (But I guess it would cause the mother of all traffic jams because 99% of cars would be stopped.

Better idea might be just to cancel driving licenses after two or three offences. 

[spidermike007]

A safety push in Thailand is one of the most oxymoronic statements one can hear. It is a great aspiration, but one lacking volition and sincerity. The authorities here only concern themselves with safety after much egg on the face from publicized deaths. Unfortunately these efforts are not coming from the right place, they're not coming from the heart, or the desire to do the right thing for the people, they are coming from a sense of lost pride and humiliation. The opposite of what you hope for in a public official. 

[BerndD]

LOS Land Of Suddendeath.

[Surasak]

15 hours 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?

Less pedestrians, less disease.

[LarryLEB]

I would be very curious to know how many people are killed annually in Thailand while on the sidewalk (or as the British say, "pavement"); for example, either from falling into holes, being struck by motorcycles, being strangled by low-lying wires/cables, or being struck by out-of-control vehicles.