New Year Festival Ends With 335 Deaths And 3,375 Injured On The Road: Thailand

[webfact]

New Year festival ends with 335 deaths and 3,375 injured on the road

The Nation

The seven dangerous day period of this New Year Festival has seen a decrease in road casualties and accidents compared to last year, with 335 deaths and 3,375 injuries in 3,093 accidents, the Road Safety Centre reported Thursday.

Most accidents resulted from drunk driving and Nakhon Sawan and Buri Ram had the highest number of victims killed at 18 persons each.

Saying that on January 4 alone, 237 accidents killed 21 people and injured 259 others, Deputy PM and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit told a press conference that the centre would study road accident-related issues during this seven-day period to suggest measures to the Cabinet for the upcoming Songkran Festival. Ten provinces had no road accident deaths: Sukhothai, Tak, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Si Sa Ket, Nonthaburi, Trat, Satun, Yala and Pattani.

From December 29, 2011 to January 4, 2012, there were 3,093 accidents (404 cases or 11.55 per cent fewer than last year), killing 335 persons (23 persons or 6.42 per cent less than last year), and wounding 3,375 persons (375 persons or 10 per cent less than last year). Chiang Rai had the most cumulative injuries at 121 persons and the most accidents at 115 cases.

Most accidents resulted from drunk driving (37.28 per cent) and speeding beyond legal limit (20.63 per cent). Most accidents involved motorcycles at 81.47 per cent followed by pick-up trucks at 9.34 per cent. Over half (62.30 per cent) of the accidents took place on straight stretches of road and the period from 4pm to 8pm saw the most accidents occurring at 28.87 per cent. About 54 per cent of road casualties were of working age. The nationwide checkpoints stopped 4,797,164 vehicles and punished 643,445 law-breaking motorists, mostly for not wearing helmets (200,909 cases) and not carrying driver's licence (185,856 cases).

Although the accidents were lower than last year, the rate of major accidents causing the death of many remained high, Yongyuth said. Four risk factors were involved: drivers speeding beyond legal limit, drivers dozing off behind wheel, bikers failing to wear helmets, and truck passengers failing to fasten seatbelts or riding in the truck's open part in the back.

In related news, Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Worasak Noppasitthiporn gave a report on the city traffic situation from December 29, 2011 to January 4, 2012, saying that Bangkok City had witnessed 34 accidents (15 per cent down from last year), killing 12 people (five people more than last year) and injuring 31 others (17 persons less than last year). Most accidents involved motorcycles and resulted from drunk driving, failure to wear helmets, speeding beyond legal limit and sudden overtaking of other vehicles. City police also arrested 5,133 law-violating motorists during the period, higher than last year by 2,300 cases.

Most accidents resulted from drunk driving at 37.28 per cent and speeding beyond legal limit at 20.63 per cent. Most accidents involved motorcycles at 81.47 per cent followed by pick-up trucks at 9.34 per cent. Over half (62.30 per cent) of the accidents took place at the straight stretch of road and the time period from 4pm to 8pm saw the most accidents occurred at 28.87 per cent. About 54 per cent of road casualties were of working age. The nationwide checkpoints stopped 4,797,164 vehicles and punished 643,445 law-breaking motorists, mostly for not wearing helmets at 200,909 cases and not carrying driver's licence at 185,856 cases.

Although the accidents were lowered than last year, the rate of major accidents killing many people remained high, Yongyuth said, there were four risk factors; drivers speeding beyond legal limit, drivers dozing off behind wheel, bikers failing to wear helmets, and truck passengers failing to fasten seatbelt or riding in the truck's open part in the back.

In related news, Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Worasak Noppasitthiporn reported the city traffic situation from December 29, 2011 to January 4, 2012 that Bangkok City had 34 accidents (15 per cent down from last year), killing 12 people (five people more than last year) and injuring 31 others (17 persons less than last year). Most accidents involve motorcycles and resulted from drunk driving, failure to wear helmets, speeding beyond legal limit and sudden taking over other vehicles. City police also arrested 5,133 law-violating motorists during the period, higher than last year by 2,300 cases.

-- The Nation 2012-01-05

[falangjim]

You've got to value your life in order to live it. Why Thais continually insist on riding in the back of trucks like chickens is beyond me. Very dangerous.

[travelmann]

You've got to value your life in order to live it. Why Thais continually insist on riding in the back of trucks like chickens is beyond me. Very dangerous.

Have brain size of chicken maybe thats why??

Anyway Nontahburi no deaths isnt it still partly underwater?

[PaulHamon]

335 deaths and 3,375 injuries

now many of these 3,375 will die in hospital over the coming weeks and never be reported as road accident deaths.

[Willeyeam]

I am always amazed at the ones who like to perch as high as they can above the cabs of lorries and the like - if the driver simply braked hard they would be mincemeat...Why do they seem to like climbing into the most ridiculous places on vehicles? Does it make them less gay?

[sirchai]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

Edited January 5, 2012 by sirchai

[sirchai]

335 deaths and 3,375 injuries

now many of these 3,375 will die in hospital over the coming weeks and never be reported as road accident deaths.

True and I know through my personal experience that it isn't really cool to stay at a hospital here. Hope there's a heaven and wish a speedy and fully recovery for the injured ones.

[Tanaka]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

So if everybody is doing something, it must be right? If everybody jumps the red lights, it must be right then. That is what you are saying.

[Willeyeam]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

Surely a thing called common sense might just come into play here? So where does common sense fit in, is it learned or is it inbuilt?

[peter48]

It is the role of government to stop this carnage; Europeanise its drink driving laws for a start and impose helmets and seatbelt laws to protect Thai children. But its not just the moral argument that the government should do this but also the economic and social argument that such massive carnage does so much damage to people's lives and their families. . Moreover it would make Thailand more attractive too to investors, retirees, international students & academics and vistors because it lifts Thailand to a higher level and just offers that better environment which is evident in some other Eastern societies

[PoodMaiDai]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

This has nothing to do with education and EVERYTHING to do with common sense.

Don't drink and drive, don't ride in the back of a pick-up truck, wear a helmet on your bike, don't ride on top of any vehicle.

Follow those simple rules and Thailand would cut their causality rate down by 80% or more.

[PoodMaiDai]

It is the role of government to stop this carnage; Europeanise its drink driving laws for a start and impose helmets and seatbelt laws to protect Thai children. But its not just the moral argument that the government should do this but also the economic and social argument that such massive carnage does so much damage to people's lives and their families. . Moreover it would make Thailand more attractive too to investors, retirees, international students & academics and vistors because it lifts Thailand to a higher level and just offers that better environment which is evident in some other Eastern societies

My parents looked at Thailand as a place to retire but choose not to, one reason being how deadly road travel is.

[Rhys]

Pretty poor research.. missing... oh important thangs.... age groups, male vs females, time of day, So what every happened to the female teenage without a D/L..she walked right...

[minikev]

Every time I read something about road accidents in Thailand I wonder why there is no tuition.

The deaths incurred every day could be reduced if people were taught lets say for example to look in the mirror before pulling out.

It is sickening life here is so cheap WHY don't people learn how to drive or ride!

MAKE A TEST a real one not one you can buy!!!!

[HOOD Robin]

It is the role of government to stop this carnage; Europeanise its drink driving laws for a start and impose helmets and seatbelt laws to protect Thai children. But its not just the moral argument that the government should do this but also the economic and social argument that such massive carnage does so much damage to people's lives and their families. . Moreover it would make Thailand more attractive too to investors, retirees, international students & academics and vistors because it lifts Thailand to a higher level and just offers that better environment which is evident in some other Eastern societies

OOH SO TRUE !!!!!!!

[maximillian]

Generally I like Thai people a lot more than my own German coutrymen. But when it comes to driving they really seem to be brainless, care less or not care at all. Not even for their own lives or for the lives of their children.

As before mentioned driving drunk and at highest speed, overtaking while there is oncoming traffic, risking their own lives and the lives of others for the advantage of riding one or two cars ahead, not keeping distance, riding without helmets, children even babies in front (instead of an airbag ?), using the mobile for talking and texting or pressing their pimples from their noses while riding, riding three often four, sometimes five one a bike. Riding at night without lights. Not using thei indicators or using them too late. Many just come driving out of a little soi or out of nowhere on to the main road without looking or stopping. Some drive too slow, while others driving like crazy. And many farangs are doing the same things like the Thais do. Unbelieveable ! I watched some Austrians sitting on regular plastic chairs on the bed of a pick-up. What would happen if the driver has to break hard or has to swerve to avoid an obstacle ? The list could go on and on. When will they ever learn ? Never, I'm afraid.

[HOOD Robin]

Pretty poor research.. missing... oh important thangs.... age groups, male vs females, time of day, So what every happened to the female teenage without a D/L..she walked right...

Yeah..... what actually happened to her ? Can anybody tell me as i didn't follow this story for a while....

i would not be surprised that she's...... driving again a car with a mobile in her hand... TiT

[personchester]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

So if everybody is doing something, it must be right? If everybody jumps the red lights, it must be right then. That is what you are saying.

No, Thai people know that it is not right, but they know that it is common, and that is the reason why they do it.

[jsflynn603]

Generally I like Thai people a lot more than my own German coutrymen. But when it comes to driving they really seem to be brainless, care less or not care at all. Not even for their own lives or for the lives of their children.

As before mentioned driving drunk and at highest speed, overtaking while there is oncoming traffic, risking their own lives and the lives of others for the advantage of riding one or two cars ahead, not keeping distance, riding without helmets, children even babies in front (instead of an airbag ?), using the mobile for talking and texting or pressing their pimples from their noses while riding, riding three often four, sometimes five one a bike. Riding at night without lights. Not using thei indicators or using them too late. Many just come driving out of a little soi or out of nowhere on to the main road without looking or stopping. Some drive too slow, while others driving like crazy. And many farangs are doing the same things like the Thais do. Unbelieveable ! I watched some Austrians sitting on regular plastic chairs on the bed of a pick-up. What would happen if the driver has to break hard or has to swerve to avoid an obstacle ? The list could go on and on. When will they ever learn ? Never, I'm afraid.

I think it's a cultural thing. Thai society has a tight hiearchcical structure, it has had so for a thousand plus years. Everyone knows his/her place.

But in a car, or on a motorbike I believe that the Thai person feels that he/she is inside her house, in "private space," and as such, the hierarchical rules cease totally and so the not so "high-so" person becomes the big boss to which others must kow tow. So, for many it becomes a free-for-all zone where it's "get outa my way."

This is similar to the mindset of adolescents. Piaget a psychologist who studied adolescents found that adolescents believe that their thoughts "create reality," thus they cannot die in an accident because their brain can prevent any such thing from happening. Perhaps many Thai people get stuck in this space. My girlfriend who is quite bright, does not seem to fathom that an accident could happen to her--plain and simple, it's sort of odd actually, but I think common.

What was funny about the article was this:

"Although the accidents were lowered than last year, the rate of major accidents killing many people remained high, Yongyuth said, there were four risk factors; drivers speeding beyond legal limit, drivers dozing off behind wheel, bikers failing to wear helmets, and truck passengers failing to fasten seatbelt or riding in the truck's open part in the back."

Nooooooooooo..... the real problem (mentioned someplace else in the article @37.28%) (how very precise!) was alcohol. Thousands were punished for not wearing helmets or not having a license. Apparently nobody was punished for being drunk.

Thailand's abyssmal traffic fatality rate will stay high until this is addressed, plain and simple.

The best driver, the most careful driver is still at the mercy of someone who is drunk--I know, once I left the road trying to escape a drunk who had apparently fallen asleep, in his dazed condition he followed my lights and rear-ended me ten meters off the road, in a huge parking lot. He was very angry that I did not stay on the road and vocalized that point of view....ok.

[zaZa9]

There is a song taught to kids here in the South, and it goes some way in explaining the 'might is right' logic they exhibit with traffic...

" Sib law maa leaow,

Song tao lop noi..."

(" 10 wheels [a truck] comes,

song tao [small bus] move a little ")

The real interpretation however , is 'big vehicle comes, small vehicle had better get out of the way'.....

Its a message for survival.

Edited January 5, 2012 by zaZa9

[RichardL]

You can criticise Thais, but many states in the USA don't have seatbelt laws and the residents feel safer that way. Thousands have even had airbags deactivated after scare stories about children being injured by airbags (which were the result of not wearing seatbelts or child seats being fitted incorrectly).

It's all about perceived danger. In fact I've seen western families ride around on scooters with their helmetless kids stood up at the front. They'd never do that in their homeland, but partly that's because they are not allowed to. I would bet if western driving rules were relaxed to Thai levels, you'd see a massive spike in road deaths in Europe/USA too.

People can't be relied upon to do the safe thing by choice, as often what they want to do they regard as bending the rules, rather than breaking them, and don't regard it as unsafe.

Of course if the two to a scooter rule was properly imposed, it would present something of a problem for Thai families where the scooter is the only transport they have. One of the things that struck me about Thailand is that there are no small cars anywhere. You go from scooter to Toyota Corolla, with nothing at all inbetween.

[PoodMaiDai]

You can criticise Thais, but many states in the USA don't have seatbelt laws and the residents feel safer that way. Thousands have even had airbags deactivated after scare stories about children being injured by airbags (which were the result of not wearing seatbelts or child seats being fitted incorrectly).

It's all about perceived danger. In fact I've seen western families ride around on scooters with their helmetless kids stood up at the front. They'd never do that in their homeland, but partly that's because they are not allowed to. I would bet if western driving rules were relaxed to Thai levels, you'd see a massive spike in road deaths in Europe/USA too.

People can't be relied upon to do the safe thing by choice, as often what they want to do they regard as bending the rules, rather than breaking them, and don't regard it as unsafe.

Of course if the two to a scooter rule was properly imposed, it would present something of a problem for Thai families where the scooter is the only transport they have. One of the things that struck me about Thailand is that there are no small cars anywhere. You go from scooter to Toyota Corolla, with nothing at all inbetween.

Anyone know what the death count is per year for drunk driving in the USA?

I'm sure if laws were relaxed in the western world, it would add to some more deaths, but most westerners have a little bit of common sense. Even if it were allowed, you would not catch many of them riding on the roof top of a work truck in the rain.

[jonesy2648]

You've got to value your life in order to live it. Why Thais continually insist on riding in the back of trucks like chickens is beyond me. Very dangerous.

Have brain size of chicken maybe thats why??

Anyway Nontahburi no deaths isnt it still partly underwater?

Why is it that every time I read an article on this forum and then scroll down the page only to find some so called expert on everything who just has to make negative insulting remarks about Thais??? Your Remark: Thais have a brain the size of a chicken!! Buddy!!! get a life!! it is obvious that you have a hate for Thais? So why are you in Thailand?? Why do most of you people continually run down Thai People?? at every opportunity you get??

I totally understand that the road accident statistics are horrendous and totally unacceptable, Any Death or Injury is unacceptable but from what I have seen and experienced while driving in Thailand is that most of the problem lies with the Traffic Police...............Lack of numbers, very poor traffic management and obviously not enough driver education when the issue licences. Tuk Tuk drivers obviously go to Kamikaze school before they start work, Taxi drivers are not much better, Truck and Bus drivers seem to think that they totally own the roads, but worst of all I have experienced is the drivers on up country road particularly between Korat and Kon Kaen who tend to drive at 35-40 k/m per hour holding up traffic and creating long convoys behind them! these drivers are the ones that cause most accidents by making the drivers behind them impatient who then take a huge risk by overtaking and in most cases results in an accident.

And then you have the other Kamikaze (Bone Heads) on motor cycles, I call them bone heads because obviously they think that riding without a helmet is safe??

So in summary, Better Policing, Better driver education, and more suspensions for drivers/riders that break the law, But the chance of seeing that happen soon would be the same as visiting a snow ski resort in Arabia!

Also being an Australian where road rage is very common, I have never ever seen road rage in Thailand

So I have had my say...............................But Fellas, how about less criticism of Thai people and more positive type posts and maybe, just maybe the powers to be may read your positive posts and take notice!!

[laurentbkk]

No need to complain , just count the dead and that's it .... if they want to live dangerously , let them do ... if they want to kill themselve ,let them do ..they want to drink and drive ? let them do ..... every year we have the same, new year week = 335 dead , lets bet about Songran now .... how many dead on roads ? NOTHING will ever change here as people dont want to change ...

[whybother]

No need to complain , just count the dead and that's it .... if they want to live dangerously , let them do ... if they want to kill themselve ,let them do ..they want to drink and drive ? let them do ..... every year we have the same, new year week = 335 dead , lets bet about Songran now .... how many dead on roads ? NOTHING will ever change here as people dont want to change ...

Let them do it ... until you or one of your family/friends are one of the ones that they take out in the process.

[HOOD Robin]

You've got to value your life in order to live it. Why Thais continually insist on riding in the back of trucks like chickens is beyond me. Very dangerous.

Have brain size of chicken maybe thats why??

Anyway Nontahburi no deaths isnt it still partly underwater?

Why is it that every time I read an article on this forum and then scroll down the page only to find some so called expert on everything who just has to make negative insulting remarks about Thais??? Your Remark: Thais have a brain the size of a chicken!! Buddy!!! get a life!! it is obvious that you have a hate for Thais? So why are you in Thailand?? Why do most of you people continually run down Thai People?? at every opportunity you get??

I totally understand that the road accident statistics are horrendous and totally unacceptable, Any Death or Injury is unacceptable but from what I have seen and experienced while driving in Thailand is that most of the problem lies with the Traffic Police...............Lack of numbers, very poor traffic management and obviously not enough driver education when the issue licences. Tuk Tuk drivers obviously go to Kamikaze school before they start work, Taxi drivers are not much better, Truck and Bus drivers seem to think that they totally own the roads, but worst of all I have experienced is the drivers on up country road particularly between Korat and Kon Kaen who tend to drive at 35-40 k/m per hour holding up traffic and creating long convoys behind them! these drivers are the ones that cause most accidents by making the drivers behind them impatient who then take a huge risk by overtaking and in most cases results in an accident.

And then you have the other Kamikaze (Bone Heads) on motor cycles, I call them bone heads because obviously they think that riding without a helmet is safe??

So in summary, Better Policing, Better driver education, and more suspensions for drivers/riders that break the law, But the chance of seeing that happen soon would be the same as visiting a snow ski resort in Arabia!

Also being an Australian where road rage is very common, I have never ever seen road rage in Thailand

So I have had my say...............................But Fellas, how about less criticism of Thai people and more positive type posts and maybe, just maybe the powers to be may read your positive posts and take notice!!

i think this guy can't stand the truth..... Most of them DO have brain size of chicken !!! So what's wrong with telling the truth !? I also love this country, i also stay here long time, but still it's very sad to see all those drunks on the road and 4-5-6 people without helmets on motorbikes, young school kids racing with each other over the full width of the (main)roads on those motorbikes with 2 or 3 on that motorbike without any helmet or other protection, only a white school shirt and a blue or brown school short... just bringing innocent people/kids in danger!!!! AND ALL THIS IN FRONT OF THE POLICE who let happen..... But when a farang passes by even WITH a helmet, they will stop him and check his license, or other stuff, only to get the $$ out of him. And this is all.... NORMAL in this beautiful country, but yeah..... the brainless chicken also are situated in highest levels, starting by the government, so unfortunately nothing else than a snowball effect....

[HOOD Robin]

You can criticise Thais, but many states in the USA don't have seatbelt laws and the residents feel safer that way. Thousands have even had airbags deactivated after scare stories about children being injured by airbags (which were the result of not wearing seatbelts or child seats being fitted incorrectly).

It's all about perceived danger. In fact I've seen western families ride around on scooters with their helmetless kids stood up at the front. They'd never do that in their homeland, but partly that's because they are not allowed to. I would bet if western driving rules were relaxed to Thai levels, you'd see a massive spike in road deaths in Europe/USA too.

People can't be relied upon to do the safe thing by choice, as often what they want to do they regard as bending the rules, rather than breaking them, and don't regard it as unsafe.

Of course if the two to a scooter rule was properly imposed, it would present something of a problem for Thai families where the scooter is the only transport they have. One of the things that struck me about Thailand is that there are no small cars anywhere. You go from scooter to Toyota Corolla, with nothing at all inbetween.

We are not talking about USA or other Western country, but we talk about Thailand where we live and where we don't want those drunk drivers and imbecils to kill us or our beloved ones !!!

[MaxYakov]

My parents looked at Thailand as a place to retire but choose not to, one reason being how deadly road travel is.

Most accidents resulted from drunk driving at 37.28 per cent and speeding beyond legal limit at 20.63 per cent. Most accidents involved motorcycles at 81.47 per cent followed by pick-up trucks at 9.34 per cent.

Did your parents plan on traveling around drunk while speeding on motorbikes without helmets or in pick-up trucks? If so, looking at the statistics, good call!

[hhiser]

Please you do not have to write flaming posts about Thais. Would somebody write about a specific race it wouldn't be tolerated... Not all Thais have a small brain, many accidents are only because of an educational lack.

So many school kids are sitting on top of Songtaews, not knowing the danger. Can you call them stupid, because everybody's doing it?

This has nothing to do with education and EVERYTHING to do with common sense.

Don't drink and drive, don't ride in the back of a pick-up truck, wear a helmet on your bike, don't ride on top of any vehicle.

Follow those simple rules and Thailand would cut their causality rate down by 80% or more.

You forgot do not expect everyone to watch out for you and yield the right of way to you. Especially when you are in the wrong. Examples going the wrong way down a one way road, or trying to cut in line (jump queue) at a red light.

[anterian]

Deaths were lower this year for one simple reason, the floods. The floods hit people in their pockets, so less money for alcohol and fuel for their vehicles.