The 6th Southern Region Road Safety Academic Seminar entitled “Safe Drive, the Southern Region is Safe, No Road Accidents” was launched at the Phuket Merlin Hotel by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannaratat and runs through today.
Joiing the governor were Dr Siriwat Thiptharadon and Dr Weeraphan Suphanchaimat, both advisors to the Provincial Traffic Accident Prevention Support Plan Committee (OCC), in addition to Dr Anucha Setthasathian from the Committee of the Road Safety Administration Center and Vice Chairman of the Traffic Safety Administration, and Dr Wiwat Seetamanotch, manager of the cooperation program between the Thai government and the World Health Organisation. Officials from 14 southern provinces in Thailand were also present.
Governor Sophon extended praise and congratulations to all network partners, including those from the public and private sectors, volunteers and the Road Safety Administration Center.
He said all such entities help drive towards improving road safety in a diligent and serious manner that is expected to see positive results emerge in time with road related accidents reducing.
He added that local government organisations from the participating disctricts between 2022 to 2024 have pushed for improved policies and road safety measures to be implemented, such as a specific focus on motorcycle riders wearing helmets 100% of the time to reduce the risk of injury and death.
Governor Sophin also highlighted the goals of the 5th Master Plan of the Office of the Basic Education Commission which aims to reduce road accident deaths to no more than 12 per 100,000 of the population by 2027.
The 6th southern province road safety seminar currently being held was therefore crucial for helping to promote and implement such goals to work towards safer roads, Governor Sophon explained.
Over 150 people attended the event yesterday to hear specific lectures and panel discussions on topics such as “Thailand’s Road Accident Situation”, “Moving the Safety Mechanisms of Thailand”, “Driving is safe: Promote the economy and how to travel”, while there was also an interactive discussion on the topic of “Creating a City of Travel” and further session focused on law enforcement.
Similar topics are expected to be covered today ahead of the seminar’s conclusion.