BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, participated in a memorial walk organized to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on 17 November. The event, which was supported by Rotary, began at the City Hall Plaza and proceeded to the United Nations Building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, covering a distance of approximately 1.7 kilometers.
Governor Chadchart highlighted the importance of addressing road accidents, stating that the economic cost of fatalities and injuries from road accidents averages nearly 1% of the GDP, equating to around 100 billion baht annually. He emphasized that Bangkok has been working on various safety improvements, such as upgrading streetlights, enhancing pedestrian crossings, and addressing high-risk areas to reduce driving speeds and enforce traffic regulations more strictly. He noted that although accident statistics have decreased significantly, continued efforts in traffic discipline are essential.
The United Nations has designated the third Sunday of November as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a global initiative to honor those lost in road accidents. In Thailand, the “Don’t Drink and Drive” Foundation, in collaboration with government and private sector partners, has been organizing activities since 2006 to encourage public remembrance of road traffic victims.
This year, Rotary Thailand, together with road safety partners nationwide, organized the memorial walk to promote the goal of making all roads safer for everyone. As part of the event, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration also laid flowers in front of the United Nations Building as a symbol of remembrance.
The ceremony included participation from various dignitaries, including Dr. Thaechai Siripanich, Secretary-General of the “Don’t Drink and Drive” Foundation; Mr. Surachai Liangboonlertchai, Advisor to the Committee on Road Safety; H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimbœuf, French Ambassador to Thailand; Rotary District 3350 Governor; UNESCAP representatives; WHO representatives; and various members of road safety organizations and the families of victims.
