On 16 January 2017, Mr. Jakkrit Srivali, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, delivered the opening remarks at the ASEAN Victims Against Drunk Driving Network Summit (VADD Summit) organized by the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, and gave a keynote speech on “Road Accidents: Threat to the ASEAN Community”. Also in attendance were Dr. Seree Nonthasoot, Thailand’s representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), representatives of ASEAN VADD Network, members of the private and public sectors.

Thailand’s VADD Network is led by Mr. Pattarapan Kritsana, who recognizes the importance of road safety measures not only in Thailand but also in South East Asia. Therefore, the Network initiated the ASEAN VADD Network to enhance regional cooperation, and in May 2015, 10 representatives from each member state met in Bangkok to sign a memorandum to establish the ASEAN VADD Network in Bangkok with the objective of reducing road accidents by raising public awareness. The Ministry engages with the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation as part of its work with regional civil society organisations.

The VADD Summit agreed that a mechanism to promote cooperation and law enforcement in each country should be established.  Moreover, awareness-raising on safe and responsible driving should be widely promoted. At the end of the VADD Summit, 10 representatives of the ASEAN VADD Network signed a declaration against drunk driving.

After the conclusion of the summit, all representatives of the ASEAN VADD Network visited the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace to pay their respects to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.