Health ministry asks elderly drivers to stay alertThe Ministry of Public Health has stepped up road safety warnings for elderly drivers ahead of the long Songkran holidays, after data showed that deaths among senior motorists have doubled over the past 15 years. According to ministry data, deaths from road accidents involving elderly people rose from 2,150 cases in 2011 to 4,342 cases in 2025, with elderly drivers accounting for 80% of the fatalities. To strengthen prevention efforts, the ministry has activated 24-hour emergency operation centres in coordination with the national road safety centre. Village health volunteers will also be deployed at community checkpoints nationwide to screen elderly drivers, particularly those with chronic diseases or those taking medications that may impair decision-making, and to provide health advice. "Elderly drivers should assess their hearing, vision, mobility and cognitive readiness before driving.

Source: Bangkok Post April 11, 2026 03:13 UTC