The initiative, named “Safe Transportation Under the Royal Grace”, was organised to honour His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, celebrated on July 28, 2024, noted an official report of the event, held at the Honda Safety Riding Park Phuket in Srisoonthorn today (Sept 9).
Thalang District Chief Pairoj Srilamul presided over the opening ceremony of the event. Joining him were PLTO Chief Adcha Buachan along with local government officials, teachers and primary school students from Wat Thepkrasattri School.
Among the officials present were Traffic Police and Sopon Thongsai, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket).
In his address, Mr Adcha noted the importance of promoting safe driving habits among the younger generation.
“Our goal is to cultivate a culture of road safety among youth, from primary school students to those in higher education, as part of a long-term strategy to reduce road accidents," he said.
The day’s activities included a variety of hands-on experiences designed to teach road safety, with six interactive learning stations. This included lessons on safe driving, crossing streets at zebra crossings, driving simulators, helmet safety, accident prevention and safely using public transport.
The event marked the beginning of a nationwide effort, with similar activities planned across the country, Mr Adcha said.
“The project aims to follow the royal initiatives of His Majesty the King in fostering discipline, safety awareness, and a sense of responsibility among children and youth, ultimately contributing to sustainable road accident prevention in Thailand,” he added.
According to national road safety agency ThaiRSC, 112 people have been killed in road accidents in Phuket already this year, with a further 17,556 people injured.
Of those killed, 71.43% were male, and 28.57% female, with the deaths listed by age group as:
- 1-14 years old - 3.57%
- 15-18 years old- 6.25%
- 19-24 years old- 8.93%
- 25-35 years old- 25.89%
- 36-60 years old- 41.96%
- 60+ years old - 13.39%