A task force on construction safety has been set up to ensure structural design meets engineering standards. —The Nation/ANN Photo

BANGKOK — Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced an ambitious target of reducing serious workplace accidents and work-related deaths in Thailand.

The official was quoted as addressing the opening of National Occupational Safety Day 2025 that the "Safety Thailand" vision is to cut severe work-related injuries from 2.13 persons at present to no more than one per 1,000 workers, and fatalities from 5.3 to a maximum of three per 100,000 workers by 2030.

He said workplace safety is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental right.

The minister outlined the ministry's proactive efforts, which include strict legal enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and provincial-level safety networks.

Phiphat also highlighted the need to prepare for future risks, including machinery-related accidents and disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

Routine drills and clearly defined emergency systems are far more effective than reacting after the fact, he said.

He also addressed repeated accidents in road construction projects, notably along Rama II Road. He said he had assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to focus on safety measures.

The department met on April 2 with project owners, contractors, and safety experts to implement safety measures. A task force on construction safety has been set up to ensure structural design meets engineering standards. — VNS