Bangkok, United Nations Kick-off Distribution of Over 2,000 Helmets for Young Road Users

Bangkok, 21 April 2025 - This Monday, Michaela Friberg‑Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, joined Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, and Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary‑General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, to launch the “Safe and Affordable Helmets” Initiative. In the handover ceremony at Bangkok City Hall, they distributed the first 102 of 2,106 UN‑certified helmets pledged to students across Bangkok, underscoring a shared commitment to improving road safety for the city’s schoolchildren.

The event brought together high-level representatives from key institutions and partners, including Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand; Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand; Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul; Pol. Gen. Kriboon Suadsong, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. Civil society representatives, school administrators, and student beneficiaries also joined the ceremony.

The initiative aims to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by road traffic accidents by increasing access to high-quality, certified helmets, particularly for children and adolescents who are among the most vulnerable road users. The campaign is part of Thailand’s broader commitment to improving road safety and contributes to the global goal of achieving zero road fatalities.

The launch follows Mr. Todt’s visit to Thailand in November 2024, where he observed a student road safety programme at Chimpli School, hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). During that visit, Khunying Patama announced the donation of over 2,000 helmets for students in need, with the BMA committed to ensuring equitable distribution across schools in Bangkok.

This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between local authorities, the UN, and civil society in advancing road safety for Thailand’s youth and creating safer journeys for future generations—all working toward a shared goal of “Zero Road Fatalities.”