PM Paetongtarn urges swift update of laws to boost road safety

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed officials to expedite the amendment of outdated laws to enhance road safety.

At a road safety meeting yesterday, the 38 year old prime minister highlighted the tragic accident on October 1, which has led the government to reassess existing frameworks and regulations concerning vehicle safety for passengers.

Paetongtarn emphasised the necessity for stricter law enforcement and called for discussions to find ways to update laws and regulations to better promote safer public transport.

Agencies, including the Transport, Interior, Public Health, Social Development and Human Security and Education Ministries, have been tasked with enforcing their respective laws related to traffic safety.

Suggestions have been made to introduce mandatory bus safety measures, such as conducting a pre-departure safety demonstration akin to the pre-flight safety presentations on aeroplanes.

Paetongtarn noted that video clips posted on social media provide useful tips on maintaining and operating emergency exit doors on buses.

Road safety will be a key topic at an international forum chaired by Jean Todt, the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, in Thailand next month.

“This will put the spotlight on transport safety measures.”

Paetongtarn added that key agencies have been invited to share their thoughts on the issue. She also stressed the importance of private sector involvement in promoting safe travel.

The Thai PM mentioned the possibility of organising a workshop to foster collaboration between the private and public sectors. Businesses have been urged to share the challenges they face due to road safety problems and seek appropriate solutions with government assistance.

The Senate is reviewing an urgent motion on accident prevention, resolution, and relief following the tragic bus fire during a student field trip last week. Senator Wuttichart Kalayanamitr proposed the motion before submitting it to the Cabinet for further consideration.

Wuttichart said the tragedy has raised numerous questions about safety standards on public transport, ranging from issues concerning a vehicle’s roadworthiness to safety guidelines. The ill-fated bus was reported to be several decades old.

“Emotional support for the families affected by the tragedy is just as important as establishing the cause of the accident.”

Senator Ratchaneekorn Thongthip supported continuing school excursions to stimulate out-of-classroom learning among young students but stressed that trips must be made safer. Schools need to consider student age, distance and overnight stays when organising excursions, reported Bangkok Post.