Sawasdee Krab, literally. I learnt that "Sawasdee" means "be safe and sound". That is such a perceptive and fitting greeting considering the issue I am about to address.
This month Thailand has experienced yet another new surge in Covid-19 cases. The recent outbreaks have taught us that we must remain vigilant at all times, but perhaps also that we now, like almost every other country, have to learn to live with this disease.
However, there is another pandemic in Thailand that takes far many more people's lives every year and rips families apart, without being unavoidable. Road accidents have devastating effects on all walks of life, on public health, society as a whole and on the prospects of the country's development.
I recently received my Thai driving licence. I look forward to exploring many parts of this beautiful country with its rich culture in coming years. As a driver I have already noticed that road safety is an issue of grave concern.
I have witnessed some unfortunate yet common sights; an entire family crammed onto a single scooter, an overloaded truck tilting under its weight or motorcyclists riding against the traffic or even on the pavement.
These things should not be allowed to normalise.
The gruesome figures put things in perspective. Approximately 20,000 people have lost their lives in traffic-related accidents annually in the last couple of years. I regret having to note that the figures seem to remain stable from year to year.
Something is clearly missing in the response to this situation. Road accidents make Thailand one of the deadliest places in the world in terms of traffic fatalities per capita. In addition, there is a much larger group of surviving victims who are left permanently disabled.
Since last year, the Embassy of Sweden has been the coordinator of an informal group of diplomatic missions in Bangkok going under the name of "Embassy Friends of Road Safety" (EFRS). The group has been working with the World Health Organization, government and non-governmental organisations through campaigns, projects and initiatives to raise awareness of the issue and improve road safety in Thailand.
One might ask why embassies in Thailand devote time, energy, and resources to improving road safety.
Thailand is a most cherished and loved destination for millions of our citizens, whether they be travellers or residents. But unfortunately, many are also victims of road accidents in Thailand. Informing bereaved families of the deaths of their loved ones is an all too familiar yet heart-wrenching exercise that embassies must perform as well as assisting with burials and repatriation of remains.
Beyond the human cost there is also a substantial economic cost. A study by the Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI) demonstrates that every life lost to traffic related accidents costs Thailand around 10 million baht.
Adding up the numbers suggests Thailand's annual economic loss amounts to 200 billion baht. In addition, a study from the World Bank in 2018 shows that Thailand could lift its per capita GDP by 22% in 20 years if it halved its traffic fatalities in the same period.
Road accidents also disrupt the country's path to sustainable development. Measures to cut road traffic accidents are included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as they are linked to other global challenges, such as healthcare and human rights, especially the right to life and the right to personal security.
Thailand has also pledged to support the "Stockholm Declaration", a document from the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in which Thailand took part in 2020 and the UNGA resolution entitled "improving global road safety" which Thailand co-sponsored, with the goal of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030.
I am convinced Thailand can achieve results in improved road safety through determination, devotion and by engaging with citizens, just like it has come together in its efforts in fighting the pandemic.
I respectfully call for strong leadership from decision-makers to intensify efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.
At the same time, I urge everyone, Thais and foreigners alike, to do their part by respecting traffic regulations.
Masks, physical distancing and eventually vaccines can and will save lives. Similarly, wearing seatbelts and helmets, as well as respecting speed-limits and avoiding drunk driving can and will save lives.
Lastly, on behalf of the EFRS I would like to reaffirm our support and cooperation with Thailand in any way we can, be it technical assistance, expertise or sharing best practices to address road safety challenges.
Please stay safe.
The Ambassador of Sweden Jon Åström Gröndahl, current coordinator of the Embassy Friends of Road Safety (EFRS)