Between April 11 and 14, 138 people lost their lives and 1,002 were injured in 1,000 reported road accidents across Thailand during the Songkran holiday period, according to data released by the Road Accident Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre. Speeding and drunk driving were cited as the leading causes of the incidents.
The Centre’s report shows that speeding was responsible for 44.4% of all road accidents during the four-day festival period. Drunk driving followed at 24.9%, while poor visibility contributed to 14.52% of the cases. Motorcycles were the most commonly involved vehicles, featuring in 77.2% of accidents. The majority of crashes—85.89%—occurred on straight stretches of road.
In terms of timing, the most dangerous period was from 3pm to 6pm, which accounted for 22.41% of accidents. This was followed by 6pm to 9pm (19.5%) and noon to 3pm (16.6%).
Chiang Rai province recorded the highest number of accidents (11) and injuries (13), while Sa Kaeo had the highest number of fatalities, with six deaths reported.
Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul noted that the overall figures for this year reflect an improvement compared to the previous year, with a decline in both accidents and casualties. Authorities were instructed to rigorously enforce traffic laws and prevent the sale of alcohol to those under 20.
Despite today being part of the extended public holiday, many travellers were seen returning to Bangkok early to avoid expected traffic congestion. Nakhon Ratchasima’s bus terminal was notably busy, as holidaymakers aimed to return in time for a day of rest before work resumes on Thursday, April 17.
Chatchaval Promtham, acting managing director of the state-run Transport Company, estimated that around 100,000 passengers would use bus services daily until April 17. The company has deployed approximately 4,800 buses per day to accommodate the increased demand.
