When ophthalmologist Waraluck Supawatjariyakul died after being hit by a big bike driven by a police officer on Jan 21, many thought her untimely death would usher in road safety reforms, including improvements in how zebra crossings are managed.
One month has passed and what society has seen so far are only cosmetic changes: some coats of paint on a few zebra crossings while some forward-thinking municipalities have displayed creative designs for making zebra crossings more noticeable.
In terms of enforcement, the cabinet recently approved an increase in the maximum penalties for violations of traffic safety rules.
But people are still being hit by vehicles as they use zebra crossings with one example being a man hospitalised after he was hit by a motorcycle while walking on zebra crossing in front of Thalat Ying Charoen fresh market in Bangkok's Bang Khen district on Thursday.
It's even more demoralising to learn that some responsible drivers who stopped their vehicles so pedestrians could walk at zebra crossings have become victims themselves.
On Valentine's Day, a young motorcycle rider was hit from behind by a public bus as he slowed down to let an elderly person walk across on a zebra crossing in front of Paolo Hospital on Phahonyothin Road in the Saphan Khwai area of Bangkok. The motorcycle rider had his spinal cord severed.
Meanwhile, the owner of a big Harley Davidson was arrested yesterday on reckless driving charges after a viral video clip of him speeding through Yaowarat (Chinatown) with his hands off the handlebars got the police's attention.
But despite public concern and attention, the death of the young ophthalmologist might not be the watershed moment that spurs on any real improvements in road safety culture in Thailand.
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have yet to come up with a plan or a strategy on zebra crossing management.
At the same time, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has moved at a glacial pace when it comes to installing traffic signs and warning lights at zebra crossings.
So it's understandable why the parents of the late doctor Waraluck have sued all state agencies involved in traffic management after witnessing nothing more than lip service.
Last week the family sued RTP and Pol L/Cpl Norawich Buadok, the bike rider, and are demanding 72 million baht in compensation.
In addition, the suit is taking into consideration the issue of lax management of zebra crossings by the police.
The family are also suing the BMA for a further 72 million baht for negligence in relation to the safety management of pedestrian crossings.
While the family deserves praise for filing a lawsuit that if picked by a court, will become a landmark case that will take years until a verdict is reached.
But society cannot wait. Roads in Thailand have been far too dangerous for too long.
Every sector in society has a shared responsibility to make our roads better and safer.
Law enforcement needs to do their job. Road conditions need to be improved. Drivers and riders need to be properly educated so they behave both responsibly and kindly.
Without such starting points, Thailand's roads won't be anywhere near where they should be to be considered "safe".
