The Ministry of Transport organized a national meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to ensure road safety during the upcoming New Year festivities. Anutin urged provincial governors to work closely with local agencies to enforce strict traffic regulations. Emphasizing safe driving under the theme “Drive Safely, Thailand Without Accidents,” the goal is to prevent and decrease road accidents during this festive period.
Anutin highlighted the economic and social impact of accidents, calling for collaboration between government agencies. Through an online meeting platform, provincial governors, disaster prevention heads, and relevant authorities participated. Anutin emphasized tackling the root causes of accidents, focusing on alcohol control and urging responsible drinking. He also stressed the correlation between increased travel and accident rates, advising vigilance.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the importance of unified efforts aligned with the National Road Safety Master Plan for 2022-2027. He invited feedback and suggestions to ensure a safer environment for all road users during the New Year celebrations.
Anutin, appointed chairman of the National Road Safety Policy and Accident Reduction Committee, issued specific directives:
- Collaboration among agencies to seriously implement the Road Safety Master Plan, aiming to reduce the road accident fatality rate to 12 per 100,000 population by 2027.
- Utilization of local mechanisms by provincial governors and Bangkok administrators, focusing on continuous efforts in partnership with local organizations and the public.
- Strict law enforcement, awareness enhancement, and responsibility instillation.
- Intensified efforts during the New Year celebrations, emphasizing law enforcement and proactive measures for safety.
The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation highlighted the country’s road accident situation and ambitious targets. Dr. Sirirat Suwannarat, representing the Ministry of Public Health, shared insights into 2022’s road accident statistics, emphasizing progress but acknowledging challenges in certain provinces.
The government’s approach includes local governance, law enforcement, public awareness, and emergency preparedness. New Year plans involve setting up command centers, risk reduction, and promoting safe driving practices. These efforts demonstrate the government’s dedication to creating a safer road environment and achieving targets in the Road Safety Master Plan.
