BANGKOK, THAILAND – Ninety-five people died on Thailand’s roads in the first three days of the Songkran road safety campaign, as authorities reported continuing crashes linked to speeding and drunk driving.
95 deaths and hundreds of crashes in three days
Thailand registered 515 road crashes nationwide between 10 and 12 April, leaving 486 people injured and 95 dead during the Songkran safety campaign period.
The figures were released on Monday, 13 April, before the heaviest holiday travel and celebrations for the main Songkran day had fully begun.
Bangkok records most deaths, Lampang most crashes
Bangkok reported the highest cumulative death toll with six fatalities over the three days, while Lampang recorded the most crashes and injuries, at 25 each.
In 30 provinces no road deaths were recorded in the same period, pointing to widely differing risk levels between regions.
Day 3 in detail: 171 crashes and 24 deaths
On 12 April alone, the Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) logged 171 crashes, 169 injuries and 24 deaths.
Suphan Buri had the most crashes that day with 10 incidents, Phrae reported the highest number of injured at nine, and Bangkok saw the most fatalities with three deaths.
Main causes: speeding and drunk driving
Excessive speed was cited as the most frequent cause of crashes, accounting for 46.20 percent, followed by drunk driving at 24.56 percent.
Authorities said the pattern of dangerous behaviour continued and that the risk on the roads remained high despite the ongoing safety campaign.
Motorcycles hit hardest – many crashes on straight roads
Motorcycles were involved in 77.17 percent of crashes, highlighting the particular vulnerability of two-wheeled riders during Songkran.
Most accidents occurred on straight sections of road (81.29 percent); 39.77 percent happened on tambon or village roads and 34.50 percent on routes under the Department of Highways.
When and who is most at risk
The highest concentration of crashes was recorded between 3:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., representing 24.56 percent of incidents.
According to the RSOC, the most affected age group was 20- to 29-year-olds, accounting for 22.80 percent of those involved.
Tighter checks focus on the “10 main offences”
Provinces and Bangkok were instructed to strictly enforce laws covering the ten most serious traffic offences, with special emphasis on Songkran water-play zones and tourist areas.
The operational guideline aimed to curb risky behaviour early, before it led to crashes.
Tougher action on alcohol – including for minors
Measures against drunk driving were tightened, including stricter control of alcohol sales and a complete sales ban for people under 20.
If underage drivers are found to be intoxicated and cause injury or death, investigations are to be expanded to include points of sale, possible “enablers” of drinking, and parents or guardians under the relevant laws.
Community and family checkpoints to prevent crashes
Community and family checkpoints were being reinforced to identify, warn and deter high‑risk drivers.
The goal was to stop dangerous journeys before crashes occurred, particularly during peak travel periods around Songkran.
Authorities warn of water-play risks
Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and secretary of the RSOC, said data from the first three days mainly reflected risky behaviour by drivers and other road users.
“He warned people not to spray water directly onto motorcycles, not to play with water in the middle of the road, and, as far as possible, not to sit or stand on pick-up truck beds during moving ‘water rounds’ because of the risk of falling.”
said Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and RSOC secretary.
Emergency response chains must work fast
Authorities were instructed to keep communication and emergency systems fully operational so that ambulances and rescue teams could reach crash sites quickly.
Rapid transport of injured people to hospital was highlighted as a key factor in limiting the consequences of severe accidents.