On November 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, along with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt, launched Thailand’s campaign for road safety under the United Nations’ #MakeASafetyStatement initiative. Acknowledging the severity of road accidents in Thailand, Suriya outlined the country’s goal to reduce road fatalities to 12 per 100,000 people by 2027. Efforts to enhance road safety include stricter driver’s licensing, improved vehicle standards, and rigorous law enforcement. Additionally, the Transport and Public Health Ministries signed an agreement to streamline digital health screening for drivers and connect medical certification data electronically.

Suriya announced collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and the Thai Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, proposing that motorcycle purchases include two helmets, rather than one. Police partnerships are also in progress to address helmet compliance: rather than immediate fines, riders without helmets will be required to wait at the police station for an hour as a deterrent.

Health Minister Somsak highlighted the high toll of road accidents, with around 18,000 annual deaths and 1 million injuries costing Thailand over 6 billion baht annually. To reduce fatalities, the Health Ministry is expanding emergency response services and promoting preventive measures like child car seat use and health screenings for drivers. Plans are underway to establish 24 health assessment clinics nationwide by 2025 to certify driver fitness.