Authorities are being urged to enhance safety measures at pedestrian crossings in Bangkok, particularly near schools and hospitals, as these locations have been identified as high-risk areas for accidents.
Chamaipan Santikarn, manager of ThaiHealth’s Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project, highlighted the issue following a recent incident in which a 68-year-old South Korean tourist was struck by a motorcycle while crossing the street outside the Kidney Institute Hospital on Phaya Thai Road in Ratchathewi district. This location was also the site of a fatal accident two years ago, where an ophthalmologist lost their life under similar circumstances.
Ms. Chamaipan pointed out that the recurrence of such incidents, despite the presence of a stoplight, underscores Thailand’s ongoing struggle with road accident prevention.
“Preventing accidents is not difficult. Government agencies have a key role to play in addressing this issue,” she stated.
She cited safety measures implemented in other countries that have proven effective in reducing pedestrian accidents. For example, rumble strips are commonly used to slow vehicles before crossings. China’s ELLUMIN Intelligent Pedestrian System incorporates illuminated signs, smart sensors, and sound alerts to improve pedestrian safety. Meanwhile, South Korea has developed a smart crosswalk system featuring ground-level crossing lights for pedestrians distracted by mobile phones or whose view is obstructed by buses. These systems also include audio guidance and illuminated crossing signs visible even at night. Additionally, cameras and sensors capture license plates of vehicles that violate pedestrian crossing rules.
Recent CCTV data from Bangkok pedestrian crossings reveal 20 high-risk locations, primarily in front of schools and hospitals. Notable danger zones include Bangkok Intercare School, Yothinburana School, Kidney Institute Hospital, Buengthonglang High School, Rattanakosinsompoch Bangkhunthian School, and Big C on Itsaraphap Road.
With pedestrian safety continuing to be a major concern, calls for government intervention to implement proven safety measures are growing stronger.
