The surge of New Year holidaymakers in Thailand has prompted an appeal from the People’s Safety Foundation for stricter safety policies to mitigate road accidents. As the country prepares for New Year’s celebrations and eases pandemic restrictions, concerns have been raised about the expected increase in travelers. Nikorn Chamnong, the foundation’s chairman and a List MP of the Chartthaipattana Party, has highlighted the potential risks associated with the influx of holidaymakers. He reported a significant rise in road accidents, with 56 fatalities and 53 casualties recorded on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
With the government approving a four-day New Year holiday from today until January 1, Chamnong expressed concerns about the potential safety hazard of shifting the additional holiday from January 2 to December 29. He warned that the rush back to work on January 2 without adequate rest could lead to fatigue and a higher risk of accidents during long-distance drives. Chamnong referenced the statistics from January 1, 2019, which recorded 91 deaths due to road accidents, emphasizing the need for caution.
Another cause for concern is a newly implemented rule allowing nightlife venues in specific areas to remain open until 4am. While this regulation targets certain night entertainment venues, Chamnong expressed apprehension that venues outside these zones might also extend their operating hours, disregarding the usual earlier closing time.
In response to the perceived lax regulations, he advised the government to tighten measures and suggested implementing additional security checkpoints and rest areas for weary drivers and travelers. The ‘seven dangerous days’ from December 29 to January 4 last year saw a total of 2,440 road accidents, resulting in 317 deaths and 2,437 injuries. Drunk driving was identified as the second biggest cause of these accidents, accounting for 25.49%.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed concerns about potential road accidents during the seven-dangerous day period this year, urging motorists to refrain from drunk driving. He also emphasized the need for proper safety measures to ensure a safe return home for holidaymakers. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the road safety operation center at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, aiming to reduce road accidents during the New Year holiday. Anutin highlighted that this would be the first time people can freely travel during New Year since the pandemic eased.
As holidaymakers gear up for the New Year’s celebrations, the appeal for stricter road safety policies in Thailand remains paramount. With an expected surge in travelers due to the easing of pandemic restrictions, concerns have been raised by the People’s Safety Foundation. Nikorn Chamnong, the foundation’s chairman, voiced worries about the significant rise in road accidents since Christmas Day, as well as the potential risks associated with family groups traveling together in rented vehicles during the long holiday period.
The government has approved a four-day New Year holiday from today until January 1, with an additional holiday initially planned for January 2. However, the decision to shift the extra day off to December 29 has raised concerns about potential fatigue and a higher risk of accidents during long-distance drives. Chamnong cited previous statistics from January 1, 2019, which recorded 91 deaths, stressing the need for caution among holidaymakers this year.
Another area of concern is the newly implemented rule allowing certain nightlife venues to remain open until 4am. While this regulation targets specific night entertainment venues in certain areas, there are worries that other venues might also extend their operating hours. Chamnong recommended tightening measures, including additional security checkpoints and rest areas to ensure the safety of drivers and travelers.
The ‘seven dangerous days’ from December 29 to January 4 last year resulted in 2,440 road accidents, claiming 317 lives and causing 2,437 injuries. Drunk driving was identified as the second biggest cause of these accidents, highlighting the need for responsible behavior on the roads.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has voiced concerns about potential road accidents during the upcoming seven-dangerous day period, urging motorists to refrain from drunk driving. Emphasizing the importance of proper safety measures, he aims to ensure a safe return home for holidaymakers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has taken steps to address the issue by inaugurating a road safety operation center at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. This initiative aims to reduce road accidents during the New Year holiday and marks the first time people can freely travel during this period since the pandemic eased.
As Thailand gears up for the New Year celebrations, the appeal for stricter safety policies and responsible behavior on the roads resonates strongly. With an influx of travelers and the potential risks associated with long-distance drives and extended nightlife hours, it is crucial for the government to prioritize road safety measures. By implementing additional security checkpoints, rest areas, and promoting responsible driving, the aim is to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all.
