LocationsUNDP and Thailand's Insurance Sector Improve Road Safety and Financial Protection for Motorcycle Taxi Drivers
July 12, 2026
Bangkok, 15 May 2026 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand, in partnership with the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) and the Road Accident Victims Protection Company Limited (RVP), has launched a training programme on safe riding and financial literacy for motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok.
The initiative aims to promote road safety while strengthening participants' understanding of insurance protection, legal entitlements, and financial planning. By enhancing both physical safety and financial resilience, the programme seeks to improve the quality of life and long-term economic security of informal workers, who play a vital role in Thailand's urban economy.
Globally, UNDP implements the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) in 34 countries with support from the Government of Germany through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In Thailand, UNDP works closely with both the public and private sectors, including the Thai General Insurance Association, through the Insurance and Risk Finance Working Group to strengthen insurance systems and risk financing solutions that are more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the everyday needs of people across the country.
Dr. Anuk Serechetapongse, Project Manager of the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) at UNDP Thailand, said:
"UNDP sees this initiative as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among international organizations, the insurance industry, and relevant public institutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme contributes to reducing inequalities, strengthening resilience against risks, and improving economic security for vulnerable groups, including informal workers who play a critical role in Thailand's urban transport system and economy. It directly supports the SDGs related to good health and well-being, decent work, sustainable cities, and partnerships for sustainable development."
Anuk Serechetapongse, Development Economist, UNDP Thailand
Dr. Pongpanu Damrongsiri, Executive Director of the Thai General Insurance Association, stated that the programme reflects the shared commitment of all partners to improve the quality of life of motorcycle taxi drivers, a profession that is indispensable to urban mobility and the grassroots economy but also one that faces significant risks from road traffic accidents and income insecurity.
"The Thai General Insurance Association has continuously promoted road safety, insurance literacy, and financial resilience as part of our mission to help people better understand, access, and benefit from insurance protection," he said.
Dr. Pongpanu added that improving insurance knowledge alongside risk management and financial planning skills would help motorcycle taxi drivers better prepare for unexpected events, reduce the impact of accidents or income disruptions on themselves and their families, and ensure they can effectively access protection under Thailand's Road Accident Victims Protection Act and other relevant insurance schemes.
Dr. Pongpanu Damrongsiri, Executive Director, Thai General Insurance Association
The training programme brought together 100 motorcycle taxi drivers from Bangkok's Phra Khanong and Bang Na districts. Participants received practical training on safe riding practices, responsible road use, legal rights and insurance benefits, savings, income management, financial planning, and building long-term financial discipline to strengthen both their livelihoods and financial security.
"The Association believes this collaboration is more than a one-off training programme. It marks the beginning of a broader partnership among national and international stakeholders to improve road safety, expand access to insurance, and strengthen financial resilience for road users—particularly those facing higher risks—so they can earn a living and live with greater security, safety, and dignity," Dr. Pongpanu said.
Mr. Kasem Sangphirom, Assistant Managing Director of the Road Accident Victims Protection Company Limited (RVP), noted that according to Thailand's Road Safety Information Center (www.thairsc.com), 12,537 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents in 2025. Of these, 58.86 percent were working-age adults between 25 and 60 years old, while motorcycle users accounted for the largest share of fatalities at 83.17 percent.
"As an organization established under the Road Accident Victims Protection Act, RVP is pleased to support this collaboration in raising awareness among motorcycle taxi drivers about their legal rights under compulsory motor insurance, the benefits of insurance protection, and safe riding practices. Motorcycle taxi drivers are among the highest-risk road users because they rely on motorcycles every day for their livelihoods," he said.
Mr. Kasem further explained that RVP's data shows many road accident victims fail to receive compensation because the vehicles involved do not carry compulsory motor insurance (CTPL). As a result, victims are often left to pay medical expenses themselves and pursue compensation directly from the responsible parties. Purchasing compulsory motor insurance every year is therefore essential to ensure that anyone injured in a road traffic accident can receive timely assistance and legal protection.
"Compulsory motor insurance is not only a legal requirement but also a social responsibility for every vehicle owner. It ensures that all road accident victims receive the protection guaranteed under the law," he added.
Kasem Sangphirom, Assistant Managing Director, Road Accident Victims Protection Company Limited (RVP)
The programme represents another important example of how the insurance sector can contribute to sustainable development by promoting road safety, strengthening risk awareness, and enhancing financial resilience. Through collaboration across sectors, the initiative aims to improve people's quality of life while supporting Thailand's broader sustainable development agenda.
For more information:
Anuk Serechetapongse
Development Economist, UNDP Thailand
anuk.serechetapongse@undp.org
Corporate Communications Division
Thai General Insurance Association
Tel: +66 2 108 8399 ext. 1504
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