Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport has issued an urgent warning for vehicle owners whose cars are equipped with Takata airbags, urging them to have their vehicles inspected immediately. The airbags in question fail to meet safety standards and have been linked to fatal accidents, including a recent incident where a driver died due to metal fragments ejected from a malfunctioning airbag.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, expressed deep concern following reports of the hazardous potential of Takata airbags. The airbags have been found to malfunction and explode violently, causing serious injury or death, as demonstrated in both domestic and international incidents. In response, the Department of Land Transport, in collaboration with the Thai Automotive Industry Association and over 14 car manufacturers, has launched a nationwide recall program. This initiative aims to inspect and repair affected airbags, a process that remains free of charge at all automotive service centers across the country. To date, over 500,000 vehicles still require inspection and repair.
To facilitate this process, the Department of Land Transport provides four channels for vehicle owners to determine whether their airbags need inspection and replacement. Owners can verify their status via the website www.checkairbag.com, or through notifications received during vehicle registration processes. Additionally, vehicle inspection reports and direct notification letters from the Department and car manufacturers are available for owners.
Vehicle owners are advised to act promptly if their vehicle is deemed affected, by visiting the nearest automotive service center for a free airbag inspection and repair. The Department emphasizes the urgency of this matter with the message, ‘Check thoroughly, replace quickly, before Takata airbags harm you.’ Furthermore, the Department is contemplating enhanced safety regulations and inspection incentives for vehicles yet to undergo airbag replacement, aiming to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of all road users.