Crown Prince Worried for Cyclists' Safety: Official

The scene where a bicyclist was run over by a car in Bangkok's Saphan Sung district, 8 May 2015.

BANGKOK — Thailand's Crown Prince has expressed concern over the safety of bicyclists following a spate of road accidents in recent days, a junta spokesperson said.

"His Royal Highness Vajiralongkorn has seen the news about accidents involving many cyclists in this period," said Maj.Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a spokesperson for Thailand’s military government. "He is concerned for welfare of everyone. His Royal Highness also uses a bicycle to exercise regularly, so he has informed the Prime Minister to ensure safety on Thai roads for everyone."

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Thailand's
 Crown Prince sent a bouqet of flowers to Wichian Pinkesorn, a popular cyclist who is being hospitalized for injuries caused by a collision with a motorcyclist in Bangkok, 7 May 2015. 

He added, "His Royal Highness would like to advise everyone that respecting traffic laws is the most important factor to reduce accidents."

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Yesterday, the Crown Prince sent a bouqet of flowers to a popular cyclist who is being hospitalized for injuries caused by a collision with a motorcyclist in Bangkok on 6 May. 

Five cyclists have been killed on Thai roads in the past week alone, including three people in Chiang Mai province, a 31-year-old woman in Bangkok, and a 63-year-old man who was killed in a freak accident caused by a truck driver in Ayutthaya province.   

This morning, police received reports that yet another bicyclist was run over by a driver in Bangkok's Saphan Sung district. According to police, 75-year-old Supinan Chantarakul was cycling in the left lane when a pick-up truck slammed into him from behind, dragging the bicycle under the vehicle. Supinan has been sent to hospital. 

Police say they have detained the 26-year-old driver of the pick-up truck for interrogation. 

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Cycling has been gaining popularity in Thailand in recent years as a form of exercise and way to evade notorious traffic jams in Bangkok and other cities. Thai authorities have also built new bike paths and organized several campaigns to encourage cycling. 

Thai roads are considered the second most dangerous in the world, according to the Transportation Research Institute, with a death rate nearly twice the global average. 

 
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