Ah, Kanchanaburi! A place as rich in history as it is in beautiful landscapes, yet recently, it’s been under the spotlight for a less glamorous reason. Photographs from this picturesque Thai province — known for its verdant national parks and World War II history — are now telling tales of another kind. Last year, during the seven notorious ‘dangerous days’ of the New Year festivities in 2023-2024, Kanchanaburi led the nation in road accident injuries. An unfortunate distinction, indeed.
But fear not! A proactive countermeasure has been put in place. This year’s New Year revelry won’t just be a celebration of fresh starts but also a commitment to safer journeys. The road safety and accident reduction centre is back, and it means business. Launched with renewed zeal, the centre is extending its surveillance span from the familiar seven days to a full-blown ten-day safety crusade. This extension is a generous gift from the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee, who decided to beef up the campaign period at their recent gathering. Their logic? More holidays mean more travel days. From December 27, 2024, through January 5, 2025, it’s all about safety first!
Helming this cautious crusade is the ever-vigilant Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Under his stewardship, the campaign blossoms, promising a decade of days dedicated to watching over the merry makers on Thailand’s roads. Minister Anutin emphasized the crucial role of road users in this mission. His exhortation to motorists was clear and resounding — adhere to traffic laws as if your life depends on it (because it actually might), and let drink-driving and drowsy-driving be exiled from your holiday vocab.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have been handed a strict mandate: uphold the traffic rules with ironclad resolve and keep buses in line — both literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health is gearing up, assembling medical teams like a squad of superheroes ready to swoop in at the first sign of distress.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin shares this vision and has an action plan to match. His troops will be stationed at high-risk areas, prepared to spring into action along bustling highways. High on their watch-list are pivotal routes like the Motorway No. 6 (M6), which threads its way from Bang Pa-In to Nakhon Ratchasima, and the ambitious new Motorway No. 81 (M81), stretching its asphalt arms from Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi to, yes, Kanchanaburi. With land, water, and air transport agencies forming an alliance, the effort spans more than just roads.
Dr. Taejing Siripanich, who spearheads the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, gave the plan a considerate nod of approval. Extending the campaign? A step in the right direction, he believes. But, he stresses, let’s not fence road safety to just New Year celebrations. The government should aim for perpetual vigilance. After all, with statistics showing a possible reduction of up to 50% in accidents during these campaigns, there’s a compelling case for a year-round red alert.
If numbers tell a story, last year’s tale was a sobering one: 284 lives lost and 2,307 individuals injured in 2,288 separate accidents during those infamous ‘seven dangerous days’. Yet, there’s optimism in the air this time around, as Thailand gears up, hopes buoyant, for safer, smarter holiday traffic.
Seems like just a PR stunt to me. How about enforcing these rules all year round?
Exactly! Anutin loves his grand gestures, but what’s the sustainability?
Right? Let’s hope they maintain the momentum post-New Year.
Guys, cut him some slack. It’s better than doing nothing.
More police presence during holidays just means more bribes and corruption.
So cynical! Maybe this time it’ll be different with stricter oversight.
But that’s reality. Corruption isn’t something you can ignore.
I love Kanchanaburi! Hope this keeps everyone safe so we can enjoy it.
Totally agree! It’s such a beautiful place, safety should be a priority.
Let’s see how effective this campaign is before feeling too safe!
Why not focus more on public transport development? Will help reduce accidents and pollution.
Public transport overhaul is long overdue. Could be a game-changer.
What about education on road safety? Campaigns won’t work if people aren’t educated.
Education is crucial, but so is enforcement. Can’t have one without the other.
The Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation is doing a great job. We need more such NGOs.
10-day safety campaign is a good start. But why are alcohol companies even on a policy committee?
Money talks! They have a significant stake in any policy discussions.
Kind of defeats the purpose if you ask me…
I’m skeptical. Last year was a disaster, is extending by 3 more days enough?
Progress takes time. Let’s give it a chance before we criticize.
Agreed with Zara, it’s a step in the right direction.
Will people really stop drink-driving just because of a campaign? I doubt it.
Some people need a stronger deterrent. Like jail time, maybe?
Harsh penalties should come hand in hand with education.
Hope these medical teams are indeed as ready as superheroes. They’ll be needed.
Medical teams have always been diligent. The issue is the unprepared public.
Fair point, Larry. People should take more responsibility.
Extending this to a year-long effort seems ambitious but necessary.
There’s still hope for a safer holiday season. Fingers crossed!
Kudos to the police if they manage to actually enforce the rules properly this time.
Minister Anutin’s involvement probably means stricter rules than ever before.