BANGKOK, Thailand – Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), revealed that for the first time, the city’s New Year travel campaign was extended from 7 days to 10 days. The results were promising, showing a decrease in traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities compared to the previous year.
When comparing data from the 10-day period of December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, with the 7-day period from December 29, 2023, to January 4, 2024, it was found that the number of fatalities decreased by 1, from 27 to 26. The number of injuries dropped from 32 to 19, a decrease of 13. Accidents were also down by 5, from 40 to 35.
The highest number of accidents occurred between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, and the most common age group involved was those aged 50 and above, with 8 accidents. Motorcycles were the most common vehicles involved, accounting for 19 cases, with 15 of those riders not wearing helmets.
Mr. Amrapal credited the reduction in accidents to the growing public awareness of road safety and improved traffic discipline. He also highlighted the ongoing improvements in infrastructure, such as better lighting, pedestrian crossings, and road surface repairs, which have contributed to the positive outcome.
However, he stressed the need for continued strict adherence to traffic laws, as the main cause of accidents is still due to violations of road rules. While this year’s results are encouraging, there is a call for further improvement through collaborative efforts from all parties to enhance traffic discipline.
