Guardians of Safety: RAAT and AIP Foundation Join Forces to Protect Bangkok’s Students

In a concerted effort to enhance safety and equity for students commuting to school across Bangkok, Thailand, the AIP Foundation and the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) joined forces to address safety challenges faced by children on their journey to school. This initiative is part of the FIA Region II Helmets for Kids program, supported by the collaboration stream of the FIA Road Safety Grants Programme funded by the FIA Foundation. Recently launched in Bangkok, the program aims to educate both students and teachers on traffic safety, promote responsible road usage, and distribute safe helmets to children.

On March 1, 2024, a helmet handover ceremony took place at Wat Chanpradittharam school, in Bangkok. The event symbolised not only the distribution of helmets but also a significant stride towards promoting safer travel for students.

Recognising the critical need for comprehensive safety measures, the AIP Foundation and the RAAT have selected four project schools in traffic-dense areas of Bangkok to receive helmets. A total of 1,500 quality helmets will be provided to these schools throughout the year, offering crucial protection to students during their daily commutes.
 

The impact of this initiative is significant, particularly in a city where motorbike accidents pose a considerable risk to young commuters. Studies show that wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of death by 42% and the risk of serious brain injury by 69%.

Mr. Sontaya Kunplome, President of RAAT, said: “This year, at the occasion of RAAT’s 90th anniversary, we are delighted to join hands with international NGO AIP Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to increase helmet use among children and protect them from head injuries. The Helmets for Kids program also aims to increase students’ knowledge of helmet safety and to raise public awareness of the importance of child-quality helmet use. Our purpose is to make life safer for Thai children”.

Ratanawadee H. Winther, Chairperson of the AIP Foundation Thailand, said: “Driven by our commitment to equity and justice, we are proud to collaborate today with our partners to build a sustainable future for all. This is a significant step towards securing safe commutes for students across four project schools. The Helmets for Kids program embodies our unwavering dedication to fostering a world where everyone can thrive in a safe and equitable environment”.

The joint effort extends beyond the distribution of helmets. Through educational activities and road safety games, students gained invaluable knowledge on helmet safety, learning how to become responsible road users. This holistic approach ensures the lasting impact of the program, creating a new generation of safer commuters.

Supported by the FIA, the Helmets for Kids program in Bangkok is not just a local endeavor; it’s a vital contribution to the global goal of reducing road injuries and fatalities by 50% by 2030, as outlined by the World Health Organization.
 

About the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT)

The Royal Automobile of Thailand under Royal Patronage has been a member of the FIA for over 90 years. RAAT is responsible for setting rules and regulations as well as certifying all car and kart competitions in Thailand with international standards as a benchmark. Road Safety is also a project and activity commonly organised by RAAT to educate young motorists on how to get around responsibly and safely.

About the AIP Foundation

The AIP Foundation is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to preventing road injuries and fatalities in low and middle-income countries. For over 20 years, the AIP Foundation has been delivering effective road safety programs in locations across Asia and Africa. To find out more, visit www.aip-foundation.org or connect with us on Twitter @AIPFoundation.