The 7th UN Global Road Safety Week, held on 19th May 2023, brought the spotlight to Thailand's mobility challenges under the theme "Rethinking Mobility for Thailand." Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Thailand, the event saw the collaboration of various organizations, including the WHO-Royal Thai Government Country Cooperation Strategy on Road Safety Programme, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), UN-Habitat, and partners. The webinar was conducted in both Thai and English and was open to public.
The Global Plan for Road Safety 2021-2030 aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% through a holistic approach. Dr. Sirirat Suwanrit, Head of Injury Prevention Division at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized the devastating impact of road traffic injuries, including thousands of deaths and disabilities annually in Thailand. She highlighted the benefits of active transport like walking and cycling for health and air pollution reduction. However, it is still a challenge for Thailand to create a supportive environment for these modes of transport.
“We really need to think how mobility can be organized in a different way. Investments in walking, cycling and using public transport would not only benefit equity and people’s health, but also the green-ness of the planet. And in re-thinking, safety must be at the core. Road safety must be seen as a human right, and this right must not be compromised as we reimagine how we move in the world.” said Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand.
The webinar also discussed Thailand's 5th Road Safety Master Plan (2022-2027), which incorporated recommendations from international road safety frameworks such as the Global Plan, the Safe System Approach, and the 12 Global Road Safety Performance Targets. The Master Plan's vision is "Towards safe land transport for all" with a particular mission to "improve and develop an environment that serves safe and sustainable transport for all road users, including public transport."
Dr. Sumet Ongkittikul, Research Director of Transportation and Logistics Policy at the Thailand Development Research Institute TDRI, giving a speech on the importance of the alternative travel and sustainability in the 5th edition of the Road Safety Master Plan © WHO 2023
Dr. Sumet Ongkittikul, Research Director of Transportation and Logistics Policy at TDRI, emphasized the focus on alternative travel and sustainability in the 5th edition of the Road Safety Master Plan. Strategies 3 and 4 promote public transportation, walking, and cycling, with plans to allocate up to 20% of the budget for infrastructure and legislation. However, clear goals are lacking, requiring a comprehensive roadmap with a clear policy at the National Road Safety Directing Centre, a dedicated sub-committee, and continuous collection of sustainable transport data.
With about 70% of the global population expected to live in urban settings by 2030, increased demand for urban mobility will exceed the capacity of systems that rely largely on private vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. Yuki Takada, from UN-Habitat said that compact development and promoting the usage of public transportation (Transit Oriented Development approach) could help reduce accidents, while creating many co-benefits such as reduce environmental footprint, and promote economic activities, and investment activities, as stressed in SDG target 11.2.
Investing in public transport systems is crucial for enabling the safe and efficient mobility of expanding populations. Public transport, including buses and trains, can accommodate larger numbers of people compared to private cars and is generally more cost-effective. It also reduces the risk of accidents and serves as a vital means to enhance safety. Dr. Saroch Boonsiripant from Kasesart University, Thailand, emphasized the need for city executives to design urban areas that ensure equal, comprehensive, sustainable, and safe access to travel for people of all backgrounds, whether they choose to walk, cycle, use shared mobility options, or utilize public transportation.
The panelists recommended key measures through the National Road Safety Directing Centre to promote sustainability, including encouraging public transport, comprehensive travel coverage, speed limits, safe road crossing measures, and infrastructure development for alternative travel. The webinar highlighted Thailand's road safety initiatives and sustainable transport system, the significance of international cooperation, and the need for a holistic approach to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. With its focus on "Rethinking Mobility for Thailand," the 7th UN Global Road Safety Week served as a global call to action, urging countries to reevaluate their transport systems and strive for safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Unveiling the Faces Behind Road Safety: Panellists in the webinar discussing about the road to “rethinking mobility” for Thailand © WHO 2023
Watch Live Video on the webinar here: