Thailand‘s New year Road Safety Campaign: A Mixed Bag of Results

Thailand’s 2025 New Year’s road safety campaign, running from December 27th to January 5th, yielded a mixed bag of results, according to officials. While the overall number of accidents decreased compared to previous years (specific figures not provided), concerns remain about persistent risky driving behaviors adn the need for continued public awareness efforts.

The campaign, dubbed “Drive safely. thailand without Accidents,” saw a significant deployment of resources. “This year, the RTA has set a period of intensive control to prevent and reduce road accidents for 10 days, from December 27th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025,” stated Mr. Sahat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. “Even though the New Year celebration period has passed, which reduces the risk factors for drinking and driving, what still needs to be careful is that driving speed and long driving distances may cause the driver to become tired and cause sleepiness.”

Despite the intensive efforts, which included 1,768 main checkpoints and 50,114 personnel, the nine-day period saw 169 accidents resulting in 164 injuries and 23 fatalities on January 4th alone. The most frequent causes were speeding (37.28%), cutting in front (23.67%), and poor visibility (17.75%). Motorcycles were involved in 84.3% of the accidents, predominantly on straight stretches of Department of Highways roads (45.56%).

The highest concentration of accidents occurred between 3:01 PM and 7:00 PM, with the 4:01 PM to 5:00 PM period registering the highest percentage (9.47%). The 40-49 age group accounted for the largest share of injuries and fatalities (17.65%). Trang province reported the highest number of accidents and injuries (11 each), while trang, nakhon pathom, Narathiwat, and Uttaradit each recorded two fatalities.

Mr. Danucha Pitchayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Advancement Council, acknowledged the increased traffic volume on January 5th, the last day of the holiday period. He emphasized the importance of rest stops and public service points to combat driver fatigue and ensure safe travel. He also stressed the need for continued strict enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns promoting safe driving practices.

The authorities are now reviewing the data to extract lessons learned and improve future campaigns, particularly for the Songkran Festival and other long holiday periods. “The Office of the provincial Administrative Organization asks the province to integrate relevant agencies in the area to monitor and verify accident data. Injuries and deaths must be accurate,” Mr. Wongsakulwiwat added. “To prepare a summary of the results of the operations of the Provincial Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center during the New year Festival 2025 and extract lessons from work to improve operations during the Songkran Festival and other long holidays in the year 2025 next.”

The ongoing challenge highlights the need for sustained efforts in road safety education and enforcement to reduce the tragic toll of road accidents in Thailand.

Thailand Traffic Accidents: A Grim Toll

A recent report reveals a sobering picture of traffic accidents in Thailand, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures. The data paints a stark reality: a staggering 2,322 accidents resulted in 2,251 injuries and 393 fatalities.

the sheer number of incidents underscores the scale of the problem. While the overall figures are alarming, a closer examination reveals regional disparities. Surat Thani province emerged as a particular hotspot, recording the highest number of accidents with 86 reported incidents. This concentration of accidents warrants a focused examination into potential contributing factors specific to the region.

The human cost is equally devastating. Surat Thani also reported the highest number of injuries, with 95 people suffering harm in traffic-related incidents. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, sadly recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 24 deaths attributed to traffic accidents.This highlights the challenges faced even in a major metropolitan area with presumably better infrastructure and resources.

These statistics resonate with similar challenges faced in the United States, where traffic safety remains a critical public health concern.The need for improved driver education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and infrastructure improvements are common threads in both countries’ efforts to reduce road accidents and their devastating consequences.

The high number of fatalities, particularly in Bangkok, raises concerns about the effectiveness of current safety measures in densely populated urban areas. Further analysis is needed to identify specific contributing factors and implement targeted interventions. This could include improved road design, enhanced public transportation options, and stricter penalties for traffic violations.

The data presented serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety initiatives. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, law enforcement, and the public are crucial in reducing the tragic toll of traffic accidents in Thailand and globally.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call for Action

The figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road safety strategies, including public awareness campaigns, improved infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Onyl through a multi-pronged approach can Thailand effectively address this critical issue and protect its citizens.

Addressing Thailand’s Road Safety Concerns: an Interview with Expert Professor Apiwat Khousamdrik

Thailand’s recent road safety campaign during the New Year period yielded mixed results, prompting a discussion about the effectiveness of current measures and the need for proactive solutions. We sat down with professor Apiwat Khousamdrik, a renowned expert in road safety and transportation policy at Chiang Mai University, to shed light on the situation and explore potential pathways forward.





World-Today-News Senior Editor: Professor Khousamdrik, thank you for joining us today. The recent New Year road safety campaign highlighted both progress and challenges. What are your initial thoughts on the results?



Professor Apiwat Khousamdrik:



It’s encouraging to see a reduction in the overall number of accidents compared to previous years. This signifies that the intensive checkpoints and increased law enforcement presence had a positive impact. However, the persistent prevalence of accidents, notably those involving speeding and motorcycles, raises serious concerns. we need to delve deeper into the underlying factors contributing to these issues.



World-Today-News Senior Editor: The report highlighted that motorcycles were involved in the vast majority of accidents. What makes motorcycles so vulnerable on Thai roads?



Professor Apiwat Khousamdrik: Several factors contribute to this vulnerability. Firstly, motorcycle riders are exposed to the full force of impact in a crash. Secondly, there’s frequently enough a lack of adherence to helmet regulations, leaving riders with minimal head protection. Thirdly, road infrastructure often lacks dedicated lanes and safety features for motorcycles, increasing their risk of collisions with larger vehicles.



World-Today-News Senior Editor: How effective are public awareness campaigns in changing driver behaviors?



Professor Apiwat Khousamdrik: Public awareness campaigns are essential, but they are most effective when combined with stricter enforcement and infrastructure improvements. Education alone will not suffice if drivers know they can flout the rules with impunity.



World-Today-News Senior Editor: What specific measures could be implemented to make Thai roads safer?



Professor Apiwat Khousamdrik: aside from stricter law enforcement,investments in road infrastructure are crucial.This includes:

Designating dedicated lanes for motorcycles to reduce their interaction with larger vehicles

Implementing motorcycle safety courses specifically targeting defensive riding techniques

Enhancing public transportation systems to reduce reliance on motorcycles



World-Today-News Senior Editor:* This is valuable insight, Professor Khousamdrik. Thank you for sharing your expertise.



Professor apiwat Khousamdrik : It was my pleasure to contribute to the discussion. Road safety is a shared responsibility,and we must all work together to ensure everyone can travel safely on Thai roads.