[boltondd]

FYI

In Thailand road accidents are considered one of the top three public health problems in the country. Despite the Government’s best efforts, there are sadly over 13 000 deaths and more than one million injuries each year as the result of road accidents, with several hundred thousand people disabled. An overwhelming majority of the deaths and injuries involve motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The Royal Thai Government regards this problem to be of great urgency and has accorded it high priority in the national agenda. We are also aware of the fact that effective and sustainable prevention of such injuries can only be achieved through concerted multisectoral collaboration.
To deal with this crucial problem, the Government has established a Road Safety Operations Centre encompassing the different sectors of the country and comprising the government agencies concerned, nongovernmental organizations and civil society. The Centre has undertaken many injury prevention initiatives, including a “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign as well as a campaign to promote motorcyclists to wear safety helmets and to engage in safe driving practices. In this regard, we are well aware that such a campaign must involve not only public relations and education but also stringent law enforcement measures.
The problem of road traffic injuries is indeed a highly serious one, but it is also a problem that can be dealt with and prevented through concerted and action among all the parties concerned. Through the leadership and strong commitment of the Government, we are confident that we will be successful in our efforts and we hope that others will be as well.

Taken from the World Report on road traffic injury prevention published in 2004. But take heart, Thailand is no worse off than many other countries. Both a detailed and a summary of the report can be found at:

http://www.who.int/world-health-day/...rld_report/en/