J Seth discussed with the UK Transport Minister exchanging approaches to reduce motorcycle accidents, showing interest in Thailand's 'community checkpoint' model.
On 23 July 2026, J Seth Thaiset, Deputy Minister of Interior (Interior Minister 3), revealed that during his participation in the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Road Safety in New York, USA, he held bilateral talks with Lilian Greenwood, the UK Transport Minister, to exchange experiences and strategies to enhance road safety under cooperation between Thailand and the UK. The key focus was on reducing fatalities from road accidents, especially those involving motorcycles.
This discussion arose from the UK’s interest in exchanging experiences with Thailand, as the UK continues to face concerning levels of motorcycle accident fatalities despite having high road safety standards. They requested to study Thailand’s measures and approaches to reduce road losses, particularly the community sector’s role in road safety.
J Seth outlined Thailand’s key measures to reduce road accidents, which include three main approaches: rigorous enforcement of traffic laws leading to increased helmet use by riders and passengers; widespread use of motorcycles with engines not exceeding 125 cc, which is different from many countries; and promotion of “community checkpoints” that rely on public participation to prevent and reduce accidents locally.
The Deputy Minister explained that community checkpoints are intensively implemented during festivals and long holidays, involving local administration, village headmen, local government organizations, village health volunteers (VHVs), civil defense volunteers, and the public. They set up watch points to monitor, warn, and raise safety awareness among road users at the village and community level, serving as a preventive measure that effectively reduces losses.
J Seth noted that the UK’s interest in exchanging experiences reflects that improving road safety requires cooperation from all sectors, not just law enforcement but also community engagement. Thailand is ready to share knowledge and experiences to help achieve the UN’s targets for reducing deaths and injuries from road accidents and to strengthen cooperation between the two countries for tangible results.
On this occasion, J Seth expressed concern for UK tourists traveling in Thailand, especially those renting motorcycles or cars for self-driving. He urged them to study traffic rules and routes before travel, always wear standard safety equipment, drive cautiously without exceeding speed limits, and avoid driving when unfit, to ensure maximum safety during their trips in Thailand.
J Seth added that after completing his mission and returning to Thailand, he will expedite the implementation of the “community checkpoint” measures immediately. He has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, provincial governors, district chiefs, and related agencies to integrate efforts with local administration, village headmen, local government organizations, village health volunteers, civil defense volunteers, and the public to prepare community checkpoints covering high-risk areas nationwide. This is to accommodate public travel during the upcoming four-day holiday next week, focusing on monitoring, warning, and raising safety awareness alongside law enforcement to reduce accidents and losses and foster a sustainable road safety culture. He emphasized that "community checkpoints" will be a key measure the Ministry of Interior will promote effectively to enhance road safety and build confidence for residents and tourists traveling in Thailand.