#Thailand #Bangkok #Traffic Safety #Toyota Mobility #Bangkok Project

Introduction

On April 28, 2025, in an effort to combat traffic fatalities in Thailand, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), led by Akio Toyoda, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Bangkok. This initiative is part of TMF's "Tateshina Conference" dedicated to reducing the number of road accidents and injuries. The conference seeks collaboration across various sectors to achieve zero traffic fatalities globally.

The MOU was signed in partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, UN-Habitat, the Asian Institute of Technology, and Toyota Motor Thailand. The project aims to promote safety through technology, specifically utilizing vehicle probe data, in a campaign dubbed "TRUST: Thailand Road Users Safety through Technology."

Background

Traffic safety is an urgent social issue in Thailand, where the number of fatalities from traffic accidents was reported at 25.4 per 10,000 people in 2021, significantly higher than the global average of 15. In response, numerous government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations have attempted to improve safety through various endeavors. However, despite continuous efforts over the years, these initiatives have not led to substantial reductions in accident and fatality rates.

One major challenge hindering progress is the lack of adequate data infrastructure and analysis methods to accurately identify the causes of accidents. There is a pressing need for objective data-driven analysis to establish reproducible strategies and effective interventions.

Previous Efforts (June 2024 - May 2025)

Before signing the MOU, TMF collaborated with the Asian Institute of Technology to analyze traffic data in Chachoengsao Province. This involved utilizing accident data from law enforcement and insurance companies alongside Toyota’s vehicle probe data, which includes location, speed, and acceleration information. Analysis revealed that locations frequently reported for sudden braking matched those identified as accident hotspots by authorities, confirming that vehicle probe data can effectively pinpoint high-risk areas.

Upcoming Initiatives (May 2025 - April 2027)

The current MOU focuses on the Chatuchak district of Bangkok, where high traffic volume and a significant number of accidents are evident. Along with existing datasets, additional analyses will incorporate CCTV footage to enhance understanding of accident dynamics. Road Accident Victims Protection Co., Ltd. (RVP) joins this effort as a data partner, offering data on accidents to support analysis.

This initiative aims to develop a methodology for transport accident analysis and prevention that can be reproduced in other regions. The findings will not only be beneficial for local stakeholders but also shared widely with other municipalities and relevant government agencies to advance traffic safety in Thailand.

Key Participants and Roles

1. Signatories of the MOU:
- Toyota Mobility Foundation: Overall project planning and management.
- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration: Provision of CCTV data and promotion of safety measures.
- UN-Habitat: Fostering cooperation with relevant governmental bodies and the implementation of localized traffic safety initiatives.
- Asian Institute of Technology: Conducting analyses on accident causation and proposing solutions based on data.
- Toyota Motor Thailand: Providing vehicle probe data and supporting safety awareness efforts.

2. Data Partners:
- Road Accident Victims Protection: Responsible for collecting and providing accident data.

Conclusion

Through this collaborative traffic safety project, the Toyota Mobility Foundation strives not only to reduce traffic fatalities in Thailand but to contribute to global efforts towards safer road usage. By harnessing technology and cross-sector partnerships, TMF aims to establish sustainable and replicable strategies that address the critical issue of traffic safety effectively.

By building on past efforts and introducing innovative data analysis approaches, this initiative promises significant advancements in the quest for safer roads in Thailand.