Road accidents claim two lives every hour in Thailand in 2020

13 Sept 11:41 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand recorded a devastating 17,831 road accident fatalities in 2020, translating to two deaths every hour.
Motorcyclists, especially pillion riders not wearing helmets, accounted for a staggering 74% of all fatalities, with increased helmet use projected to significantly reduce the death toll.
Lax and inconsistent law enforcement across provinces, particularly regarding driving under the influence and helmet use, is identified as a key factor contributing to the high incidence of road accidents.
While 70% of victims were working-age individuals, accidents involving the elderly are on the rise, reflecting Thailand's evolving demographic towards an aging society.

Nakhon Si Thammarat road plunged into darkness after solar panel thefts

Today 14:46 Key points summarised by AI

A three-kilometer stretch of road in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district is now completely dark after thieves stole all remaining solar panels from 98 streetlight poles.
Villagers report that solar panels and batteries have been consistently stolen for years across various roads, with no arrests made, exacerbating the problem.
The 2017 installation of 3,000 solar streetlights, costing 200 million baht, is plagued by both rampant theft and allegations of corruption involving ten officials, with the case still pending.
Local administrative organizations refuse to maintain the disused poles, citing a lack of funding, contributing to the widespread disrepair and ineffectiveness of the public lighting system.