The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and federation for mobility organisations worldwide highlighted this week a significant increase in helmet adoption among children in Thailand thanks to the vital work of the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) and the AIP Foundation.  

Thailand faces a critical road safety crisis: 

• In 2024 alone, 14,144 motorcyclists lost their lives on the road.* 

• Helmet use remains dangerously low, with only 48% of drivers and just 21% of passengers wearing one in 2023.**  

• The most affected by road crashes are those aged between 15 and 29, according to WHO. 

Yet, this tragedy is largely preventable. A certified high-quality helmet can reduce the risk of death in a crash by more than six times and lower the risk of brain injury by up to 74%. Effective programmes are vital to changing behaviours, improving helmet use and advocating for the need of certified helmets.  

Through innovative initiatives like ‘Helmets for Kids’ and the ‘Safeguard – Helmet Advocacy Initiative’, the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) and the AIP Foundation are contributing to this effort with the support of the FIA and FIA Foundation, building on the FIA’s commitment to make mobility safer, affordable, and more sustainable for everyone. 

The FIA Region II (Asia Pacific) Helmets for Kids programme has provided 1,500 certified helmets to students across four schools in Bangkok – Wat Chanpradittharam, Wat Ratsatthatham, Wat Chonglom, and Wat Pakbor.  

Beyond distribution, the programme, supported by the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme funded by the FIA Foundation, builds a lasting culture of safety, empowering the next generation of road users. More than 1,400 students and 600 teachers, school staff, and parents participated in education sessions on helmet use and road safety, resulting in an estimated +18% increase in helmet-wearing rates among participating children.  

The ‘Safeguard – Helmet Advocacy Initiative’ is a two-year programme aiming to strengthen helmet law enforcement, promote certified helmet use, and combat counterfeit products. It fosters collaboration across government, NGOs and communities to reduce deaths on the road, raise awareness, and improve compliance with helmet safety standards.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “We are proud to support the life-saving work our Member Clubs RAAT and AIP Foundation are leading in Thailand. These initiatives show how education and strong community engagement can deliver lasting and meaningful positive change for the next generation.” 

Founder and President of the AIP Foundation Greig Craft said, “Safe, affordable and certified helmets are a simple, proven solution to a devastating problem. Changing behaviours and increasing their use means tens of thousands of children who may never suffer a serious head injury. That’s real lives saved, families protected and a culture of safety growing stronger every day.” 

The Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) President Prutirat Ratanakul said, “Through initiatives like 'Helmets for Kids,' our Club is helping families and schools understand that road safety starts with simple actions. Every helmet worn is a step toward a safer Thailand for our children and every road users.” 

By implementing programmes all over the world, the FIA and its Member Clubs are changing behaviours at scale to make roads safer and championing consumer education. 

*Thailand’s Department of Desease Control

**Thai Roads Foundation and the Road Safety Watch Network

-ENDS-  

For media enquiries please contact:  

• Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com   

• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com   

 
About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile  

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.  

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.