Thailand - January 11, 2012

On January 11, AIP Foundation representatives co-hosted a event entitled “Commemorating a Year of Work Toward 100% Helmet Wearing: The Way Forward” with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Ministry of Interior. Other major road safety organizations in attendance include the Disaster Accident and Road Traffic Safety Integrated Collaboration Bureau.

The event, attended by roughly 300 government officials, NGO staff, corporate representatives, celebrities, foreign diplomats, journalists, students, and other road safety stakeholders culminated in the signing of the first ever Memorandum of Understanding between DDPM and AIP Foundation. Mr. Wiboon Sa-nguanpong, Director-General of DDPM and Mr. Greig Craft, President of AIP Foundation, committed to a close collaboration to support the Thai government’s goal of reaching 100% helmet use nationwide.

AIP Foundation was honored to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Thailand, Mr. Yongyuth Vichaidit who gave the opening speech. The meeting aimed to summarize the past year’s achievements in increasing helmet use and discuss implementation strategies for the coming years. Increased public awareness about road safety and cooperation among national road safety stakeholders were highlighted are keys to realizing the goal of 100% helmet use.

A motorcycle convoy led by Danish Ambassador Mikael Winther kicked off the ceremony, in which helmets were distributed to 20 local students.