Bangkok: The Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police has declared the need for stricter enforcement against drunk driving and non-helmet use, citing a road death toll exceeding 10,000, which he described as “more than in war.” The directive includes enhanced safety measures and the implementation of AI technology to manage traffic lights and alleviate congestion in major urban centers. Additionally, police stations nationwide have been instructed to investigate accident causes and mitigate risky areas to reduce pollution and improve safety.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, shared insights from a recent traffic management meeting held at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. The meeting addressed pivotal issues such as improving traffic flow and reducing road fatalities, particularly in congested areas like Bangkok. A collaborative effort between police and engineering agencies is deemed necessary to design solutions that
ensure smooth traffic flow and promote adherence to traffic laws, especially during peak periods like the 2026 New Year’s holiday.
Pol. Gen. Samran highlighted that from January 1 to November 17, 2015, the road fatalities numbered over 10,847, a figure he compared to wartime casualties. Recent incidents involving youth fatalities in motorcycle and car accidents underscored the helmet-wearing issue. While the public often views police actions as punitive, the intention is to decrease fatalities. Increased enforcement in accident-prone zones, stringent checks on drunk driving, and exemplary conduct by officers are part of the new strategy. Furthermore, police vehicles engaged in emergency missions will communicate the nature of their operations at checkpoints to maintain transparency with the public.
The meeting further mandated all police stations to probe the causes of road deaths, whether they stem from road conditions, driver behavior, or visibility issues, to prepare for upcoming holiday traffic. Measure
s include enforcing traffic discipline, educating the public on the safety benefits of law enforcement, and evaluating all hazardous areas to alleviate pollution from traffic congestion. Engineers and AI specialists are collaborating to plan sustainable traffic solutions, with AI traffic light systems already operating in approximately 20 Bangkok locations, with plans for expansion.
Pol. Gen. Samran also noted over 12,000 outstanding traffic ticket cases, with 768 already forwarded for prosecution. He urged the public to comply with traffic fines to avoid further legal repercussions.
“I don’t want people to break traffic laws, but if they do, I’ll warn them. If they repeat the warning, I’ll issue a ticket. If they don’t pay the ticket, I’ll have to take them to court. I want to tell the public not to break traffic laws. Traffic is all about making cars move faster, reducing deaths, and reducing pollution. But how can we make it happen from within the people? The media will keep repeating the same old storie
s, but that still doesn’t address their inner feelings. Today, we say we shouldn’t drive drunk because we’re afraid of getting caught by the police. That can’t be fixed. But if we’re drunk and we’re afraid of accidents that could happen to others, I’d like to thank you very much,” stated Police General Samran.