Songkran Death Toll 29 Percent More Than Last Year; Tougher Law Enforcement Ordered

[Kananga]

"Dr Chonlanan Srikaew, a deputy public health minister, said this year's

accidents were more severe than last year. Of the 1,321 seriously

injured, 67 per cent died at the scene and 43 per cent in hospital

emergency rooms."

So all died? What does this mean?

It could mean one of three things.

Firstly that the accident services are better as a smaller proportion of people who were sent to the hospital died

Secondly that the average speeds and toxication levels were higher this year meaning more carnage and a higher probability of being killed instantly

Thirdly that the good doctor is full of xxxxx.

Edited April 15, 2013 by metisdead

[MaxYakov]

I love Thailand and love it with a passion, but there is one blatent problem that needs to be resolved. And that is the stubborness of this nation to ask for assistance and education by other countries that have proven ability in law enforcement. Not just law enforcement, but in many area's. This has always been put down to the fact that Thailand was never colonised by outside forces, proving Thailand to be superior. I'm proud of the fact that Thailand held its head high, and didnt allow itself to become merciful of outside forces, but this is 2013, not 1901. Times have changed and Thailand need to change with the times. If there is corruption within the police ranks, stamp it out. If the way they build infrastructure doesnt work, get someone in to show you how it works. If your health system is failed, and doesnt protect your people in a time of need, look for a model that does. If the law states, "WEAR A HELMET" then every police officer should be wearing one, and upholding that law. Get your people trained by proffesionals that have mastered the systems that they operate under to the highest level, do not accept corruption as a part of life, and come down hard on anyone that is seen to be corrupt within your rank and file. Unfourtunately it lays in the hands of the law makers, and of the highest officials, and for some reason, whilst their people are out on the road killing themselves and others, well, they are just to busy doing something else. This is a great country that could be so much greater if they bit the bullet, asked for training, asked for advice, and understood that not every tourist that comes to Thailand lives under the banner of Som Num Nah. In fact we often now are starting to look like the country NOT to visit.........

Never happen!

My hypothesis: We're in a country where a large segment of population generally act like unruly children and have an equivalent level of education. The laws will not be enforced for fear of the tantrums that may result, among other issues. It is a mild level of anarchy. But, hey, maybe that's why many foreigners say they love Thailand!

Edited April 15, 2013 by MaxYakov

[sandrabbit]

"Dr Chonlanan Srikaew, a deputy public health minister, said this year's

accidents were more severe than last year. Of the 1,321 seriously

injured, 67 per cent died at the scene and 43 per cent in hospital

emergency rooms."

So all died? What does this mean?

It could mean one of three things.

Firstly that the accident services are better as a smaller proportion of people who were sent to the hospital died

Secondly that the average speeds and toxication levels were higher this year meaning more carnage and a higher probability of being killed instantly

Thirdly that the good doctor is full of <deleted>.

if my math's is correct more died than were involved in accidents 67 + 43 = 110?

[overherebc]

"Dr Chonlanan Srikaew, a deputy public health minister, said this year's

accidents were more severe than last year. Of the 1,321 seriously

injured, 67 per cent died at the scene and 43 per cent in hospital

emergency rooms."

So all died? What does this mean?

It could mean one of three things.

Firstly that the accident services are better as a smaller proportion of people who were sent to the hospital died

Secondly that the average speeds and toxication levels were higher this year meaning more carnage and a higher probability of being killed instantly

Thirdly that the good doctor is full of <deleted>.

if my math's is correct more died than were involved in accidents 67 + 43 = 110?

If 100 were injured 67% of then died at the scene.

If 100 injured people were sent to hospital 43% of them died in hospital.

[ThaiTerry]

Are most of the deaths/accidents from motorbikes? They drive bad enough when sober...get some Sangthip in them and watch out! I have a rule at Songkran to avoid going out on the streets after 5pm if I can help it.

Why don't you read the article before you comment on it.

Are most of the deaths/accidents from motorbikes? They drive bad enough when sober...get some Sangthip in them and watch out! I have a rule at Songkran to avoid going out on the streets after 5pm if I can help it.

[Andre0720]

34,936 drivers could not produce or didnt have a licence,what happened to the vehicle's? korp-kun [mahk mahk]

How can a 8yo be licensed ?

Kids nowadays, at that age, can already print just about anything from the Internet

[gp2002]

Nearly 35,000 people COULD NOT produce a licence. Hmm Mr. Government official, what does that tell you???

Stop the 10 year olds from driving motorbikes, impound vehicles and start arresting people.

It's funny.......anytime you try and suggest ways to improve something to the Thai people, they often reply with......"If you don't like it here, then go back to your own country." So obviously, they don't care about what happens.

I'm afraid that ZERO common sense reigns in Thailand. Thai person thinking........"if I throw this huge bucket of water at this person driving by on their motorbike, there's probably a 100% chance that they could lose control and crash. Good enough for me.......SPLASH!!!"

[lookingeast]

I love Thailand and love it with a passion, but there is one blatent problem that needs to be resolved. And that is the stubborness of this nation to ask for assistance and education by other countries that have proven ability in law enforcement. Not just law enforcement, but in many area's. This has always been put down to the fact that Thailand was never colonised by outside forces, proving Thailand to be superior. I'm proud of the fact that Thailand held its head high, and didnt allow itself to become merciful of outside forces, but this is 2013, not 1901. Times have changed and Thailand need to change with the times. If there is corruption within the police ranks, stamp it out. If the way they build infrastructure doesnt work, get someone in to show you how it works. If your health system is failed, and doesnt protect your people in a time of need, look for a model that does. If the law states, "WEAR A HELMET" then every police officer should be wearing one, and upholding that law. Get your people trained by proffesionals that have mastered the systems that they operate under to the highest level, do not accept corruption as a part of life, and come down hard on anyone that is seen to be corrupt within your rank and file. Unfourtunately it lays in the hands of the law makers, and of the highest officials, and for some reason, whilst their people are out on the road killing themselves and others, well, they are just to busy doing something else. This is a great country that could be so much greater if they bit the bullet, asked for training, asked for advice, and understood that not every tourist that comes to Thailand lives under the banner of Som Num Nah. In fact we often now are starting to look like the country NOT to visit.........

Yep, so much that's xxxx - so what's to love ? Make a list ?

Edited April 15, 2013 by metisdead

[tropo]

It would help if they could subtract an avearge normal week's road toll first to get the net increase in deaths this week.... of course that doesn't make for dramatic news media reports.

[lookingeast]

I love Thailand and love it with a passion, but there is one blatent problem that needs to be resolved. And that is the stubborness of this nation to ask for assistance and education by other countries that have proven ability in law enforcement. Not just law enforcement, but in many area's. This has always been put down to the fact that Thailand was never colonised by outside forces, proving Thailand to be superior. I'm proud of the fact that Thailand held its head high, and didnt allow itself to become merciful of outside forces, but this is 2013, not 1901. Times have changed and Thailand need to change with the times. If there is corruption within the police ranks, stamp it out. If the way they build infrastructure doesnt work, get someone in to show you how it works. If your health system is failed, and doesnt protect your people in a time of need, look for a model that does. If the law states, "WEAR A HELMET" then every police officer should be wearing one, and upholding that law. Get your people trained by proffesionals that have mastered the systems that they operate under to the highest level, do not accept corruption as a part of life, and come down hard on anyone that is seen to be corrupt within your rank and file. Unfourtunately it lays in the hands of the law makers, and of the highest officials, and for some reason, whilst their people are out on the road killing themselves and others, well, they are just to busy doing something else. This is a great country that could be so much greater if they bit the bullet, asked for training, asked for advice, and understood that not every tourist that comes to Thailand lives under the banner of Som Num Nah. In fact we often now are starting to look like the country NOT to visit.........

Never happen!

My hypothesis: We're in a country where a large segment of population generally act like unruly children and have an equivalent level of education. The laws will not be enforced for fear of the tantrums that may result, among other issues. It is a mild level of anarchy. But, hey, maybe that's why many foreigners say they love Thailand!

That...is hitting the nail on the head sir...many farang 'love' Thailand and its childish 'mild anarchy' because they cannot actually function within the constraints of a 'civilized' society with all its rules, punishments, and surveillance.

[lockman]

34,936 drivers could not produce or didnt have a licence,what happened to the vehicle's? korp-kun [mahk mahk]

How can a 8yo be licensed ?

Kids nowadays, at that age, can already print just about anything from the Internet

No that's actual problem from the ground up an 8-10 year old driving a motorcycle. No driver training, no knowledge of the laws and rules of the road, which is perpetuated. Up and until they stop children from riding the motorcycle without a helmet, confiscate said bike until a licensed operator arrives AND pays a 500-1000B fine and higher for a second offense, and stop them from illegally riding to and from school as well. The problem isn't in these 3 days, its everyday. Requiring schools to teach the rules of the road at an early age, and then and only then after they can competently pass a test, issue the kids a restricted license at 12-14.

[Chicken George]

All a bit late now. Time to get ready and tough for next year. Ban water being thrown on any road. Sorted! Festival of Death!

[apalink_thailand]

I think that a comparison of year-on-year deaths/Accidents etc is useless if not compared to statistics on how many new cars are on the road compared to previous years.

[Maseratimartin]

Sonkran....I made sure that I moved my families asses close to the airport on 11th and on 12th we were out of Thailand!

Bullxxxx with police check points....on the country site we should call them thai wisky collection points!

On these days you see it especially why Thailand is just a 3rd world country and their education level is not existing!

Edited April 15, 2013 by metisdead

[mrbojangles]

Given the number of people that used the morbid statistics as an opportunity to do Thai-bashing it is surprising there were no hands clapping smily's in the posts.

How does acknowledging the fact that driving in Thailand is more dangerous than elsewhere in the world Thai bashing?

Is one expected to park ones brain at immigration?

According to this article, Thailand isn't even in the top ten of most dangerous countries to drive in. http://www.safetravel.co.uk/dangerous-countries-drive-in.html

The list starts at number 10 with the least dangerous of the finalists and working down to the ones you, as a driver, really want to avoid at all costs.

1.Belgium - 100 deaths per year for every million inhabitants.168 deaths per year for every million vehicles

2.Czech Republic - 118 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 235 deaths per year for every million vehicles

3.United States of America - 136 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 163 deaths per year for every million vehicles

4.Greece - 121 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 226 deaths per year for every million vehicles

5.Korea - 127 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 317 deaths per year for every million vehicles

6.Hungary - 123 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 347 deaths per year for every million vehicles

7.Turkey - 68 deaths per year for every million inhabitants - 594 deaths per year for every million vehicles

8.Poland - 147 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 310 deaths per year for every million vehicles

9.Slovakia - 122 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 426 deaths per year for every million vehicles

10.Russia - 235 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 939 deaths per year for every million vehicles

[richmax]

I agree with jackr. The holiday is too long and the parameters are too vague. Is it a three-day holiday, a four-day holiday or a five-day holiday in Bangkok this year? There seems to be little agreement. And then there are the week-long and longer festivities in other parts of the country...

I guess there comes a time when the Gov't has to hold there hands up and

say .... we are too stupid to stop stupid people from doing stupid things.

Peoples habits will not change unless there are strict penalties

such as immediate loss of certain privelages, confiscate cars and mopeds

and do not let people of with warnings do not let people off with 100 baht tea

money.

Saying you will do something and actually doing something are two different things

Won't work. Only way is to reduce it to one day and stop people from setting up their antics on main roads... which won't happen. All they can do is continue to note the statistics.

[gp2002]

I agree with jackr. The holiday is too long and the parameters are too vague. Is it a three-day holiday, a four-day holiday or a five-day holiday in Bangkok this year? There seems to be little agreement. And then there are the week-long and longer festivities in other parts of the country...

A friend who lives in Pattaya said they started throwing water on April 11th!! It will stretch all the way through April 20-21 because it falls on a weekend.

Insane!!

[skildpadden]

Given the number of people that used the morbid statistics as an opportunity to do Thai-bashing it is surprising there were no hands clapping smily's in the posts.

How does acknowledging the fact that driving in Thailand is more dangerous than elsewhere in the world Thai bashing?

Is one expected to park ones brain at immigration?

According to this article, Thailand isn't even in the top ten of most dangerous countries to drive in. http://www.safetravel.co.uk/dangerous-countries-drive-in.html

The list starts at number 10 with the least dangerous of the finalists and working down to the ones you, as a driver, really want to avoid at all costs.

1.Belgium - 100 deaths per year for every million inhabitants.168 deaths per year for every million vehicles

2.Czech Republic - 118 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 235 deaths per year for every million vehicles

3.United States of America - 136 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 163 deaths per year for every million vehicles

4.Greece - 121 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 226 deaths per year for every million vehicles

5.Korea - 127 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 317 deaths per year for every million vehicles

6.Hungary - 123 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 347 deaths per year for every million vehicles

7.Turkey - 68 deaths per year for every million inhabitants - 594 deaths per year for every million vehicles

8.Poland - 147 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 310 deaths per year for every million vehicles

9.Slovakia - 122 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 426 deaths per year for every million vehicles

10.Russia - 235 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 939 deaths per year for every million vehicles

These figures appear strange to me. If you look at http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/road-traffic-accidents/by-country/ Thailand is number 6 in the world with 42.9 deaths per 100.000 inhabitants (!). However Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-related_death_rate) says Thailand has 19.6 road fatalities per 100.000 inhabitants (e.g. Belgium has 10.1 per 100.000 inhabitants). Both are quoting WHO figures.

Edited April 15, 2013 by skildpadden

[fareastguy]

I have just one question:

How do you teach somebody who practices being an idiot all year, NOT to be a TW@T for seven days ??

[mrbojangles]

Given the number of people that used the morbid statistics as an opportunity to do Thai-bashing it is surprising there were no hands clapping smily's in the posts.

How does acknowledging the fact that driving in Thailand is more dangerous than elsewhere in the world Thai bashing?

Is one expected to park ones brain at immigration?

According to this article, Thailand isn't even in the top ten of most dangerous countries to drive in. http://www.safetravel.co.uk/dangerous-countries-drive-in.html

The list starts at number 10 with the least dangerous of the finalists and working down to the ones you, as a driver, really want to avoid at all costs.

1.Belgium - 100 deaths per year for every million inhabitants.168 deaths per year for every million vehicles

2.Czech Republic - 118 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 235 deaths per year for every million vehicles

3.United States of America - 136 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 163 deaths per year for every million vehicles

4.Greece - 121 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 226 deaths per year for every million vehicles

5.Korea - 127 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 317 deaths per year for every million vehicles

6.Hungary - 123 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 347 deaths per year for every million vehicles

7.Turkey - 68 deaths per year for every million inhabitants - 594 deaths per year for every million vehicles

8.Poland - 147 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 310 deaths per year for every million vehicles

9.Slovakia - 122 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 426 deaths per year for every million vehicles

10.Russia - 235 deaths per year for every million inhabitants. 939 deaths per year for every million vehicles

These figures appear strange to me. If you look at http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/road-traffic-accidents/by-country/ Thailand is number 6 in the world with 42.9 deaths per 100.000 inhabitants (!). However Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_traffic-related_death_rate) says Thailand has 19.6 road fatalities per 100.000 inhabitants (e.g. Belgium has 10.1 per 100.000 inhabitants). Both are quoting WHO figures.

Tis strange but looking at your first link, the source data is from 2011 whereas the wikipedia information seems dated in the majority of cases where they have included a source date but it doesn't even have a date against Thailand. The source I quoted is from sept 2012 from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) but who is to know which is correct.

[rotary]

Does this mean the new anti alcohol consuming in the car law, didn't work?

Something like that, it appears no control is better than threats.

[mrfill]

"Dr Chonlanan Srikaew, a deputy public health minister, said this year's

accidents were more severe than last year. Of the 1,321 seriously

injured, 67 per cent died at the scene and 43 per cent in hospital

emergency rooms."

So all died? What does this mean?

In fact it means that 110% of people died.

And that means you should be wary of statistics

[bdenner]

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan yesterday ordered all 76 provincial governors

The learned Interior Minister does not know how many provinces he administers --- that says a lot!

Bueng Kan = 77th Province!

Edited April 15, 2013 by bdenner

[Andre0720]

34,936 drivers could not produce or didnt have a licence,what happened to the vehicle's? korp-kun [mahk mahk]

How can a 8yo be licensed ?

Kids nowadays, at that age, can already print just about anything from the Internet

No that's actual problem from the ground up an 8-10 year old driving a motorcycle. No driver training, no knowledge of the laws and rules of the road, which is perpetuated. Up and until they stop children from riding the motorcycle without a helmet, confiscate said bike until a licensed operator arrives AND pays a 500-1000B fine and higher for a second offense, and stop them from illegally riding to and from school as well. The problem isn't in these 3 days, its everyday. Requiring schools to teach the rules of the road at an early age, and then and only then after they can competently pass a test, issue the kids a restricted license at 12-14.

Training would have to come principally from the parents.

Those parents that drive without a helmet, or only when they get to the regular check points. Then they take the helmet off.

Those parents that drive a mortorbike with an 8 year old in the front, and a 5 year old in the back, while talking on the phone.

Those parents that wait to get behind the wheel to make those phone calls, in plain view of anyone looking.

Those parents who will drive kids to school on a motorbike while overtaking or undertaking a number of cars, and are just blind to any traffic light color.

Those parents...

[brianb1944]

I guess there comes a time when the Gov't has to hold there hands up and

say .... we are too stupid to stop stupid people from doing stupid things.

Peoples habits will not change unless there are strict penalties

such as immediate loss of certain privelages, confiscate cars and mopeds

and do not let people of with warnings do not let people off with 100 baht tea

money.

Saying you will do something and actually doing something are two different things

Won't work. Only way is to reduce it to one day and stop people from setting up their antics on main roads... which won't happen. All they can do is continue to note the statistics.

On the contrary,Ciang Mai which was traditionally a 3 day fest has been sanctioned for 7 days this year, and the sun up to sun down rule has been waived at certain locations. When TAT smell farang money, road statistics lose all relevence.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

"Dr Chonlanan Srikaew, a deputy public health minister, said this year's

accidents were more severe than last year. Of the 1,321 seriously

injured, 67 per cent died at the scene and 43 per cent in hospital

emergency rooms."

So all died? What does this mean?

It could mean one of three things.

Firstly that the accident services are better as a smaller proportion of people who were sent to the hospital died

Secondly that the average speeds and toxication levels were higher this year meaning more carnage and a higher probability of being killed instantly

Thirdly that the good doctor is full of <deleted>.

if my math's is correct more died than were involved in accidents 67 + 43 = 110?

I don't see how the good doctor (on the newspaper writer) can add two numbers together and get more than 100%???

Of all those who died, some portion died at the scene of the accidents and another portion died later at the hospitals.

If you add those two percentages together, you cannot get more than 100%.

Each of those sorry souls can only die once in one place. No double dying allowed.

Edited April 15, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[mok199]

if the government would stop pimping out this country and all the people in it ,and have the balls to say''this thing is out of control'',and have a one day water fight....but no ...they see the dollar signs...so lets have a 10 day drunk....they get what they deserve......

[rbrooks]

Alcohol + Thais + Songkran + Driving = disaster

[allalong]

what B***T , Thai law enforcement getting tough at SongKran. Still the evening to go how many more crazy deaths? Stay in if you got any sense

[Travelman868]

About 68,970 police manned 2,339 checkpoints, stopped 719,010 vehicles and charged 123,770 people with traffic offences, of whom 37,420 did not wear safety helmets and 34,936 could not produce a driver's licence.

Every kid in the whole country isn't wearing a helmet these 3 days.

In the cities most are wearing helmets but in the country they never do anyway.

35,000 could not produce a driving licence Hmmmmm That may be because they do not have a licence and while the odd

fine of 200 baht is the penalty they will never get one.