BANGKOK, THAILAND – Seventy-one people died and 317 were injured in road accidents nationwide during the first two days of the Songkran holidays, with authorities blaming speeding and drunk driving.
Balance after first two Songkran days
During the first two days of the Songkran travel period, the Health Ministry recorded 344 road accidents across Thailand.
A total of 71 people died and 317 were injured in these crashes, said Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, deputy permanent secretary at the Health Ministry.
“A total of 71 people were killed and 317 injured in 344 road accidents nationwide during the first two days of the Songkran travel period,”
said Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, deputy permanent secretary at the Health Ministry.
Accident numbers peaked on Saturday
On Saturday alone, there were 208 road accidents reported nationwide.
These incidents resulted in 50 deaths and 185 injuries, according to the ministry figures.
Provinces hit hardest
The northern province of Nan reported the highest number of accidents, with 17 cases.
Nan and Lampang, also in the North, each recorded 17 injured people, marking the highest provincial injury figures.
Highest death toll in two provinces
The highest number of fatalities was reported in Prachin Buri and Phitsanulok.
Both provinces recorded four deaths each over the two-day period.
Main causes: speed and alcohol
Authorities identified speeding as the most common cause of accidents, accounting for 45 percent of cases.
Driving under the influence of alcohol followed as the second leading cause, responsible for 25 percent of crashes.
Motorcycles dominate crash statistics
Motorcycles were involved in 61 percent of all recorded accidents during the period.
Two-wheeled vehicles thus remained a central risk factor on the roads during the Songkran travel days.
Travel wave and ongoing safety campaign
Dr. Sophon said most Songkran travelers had already reached their destinations.
He added that the road safety campaign for the Songkran festival was continuing despite the early toll.