BANGKOK, THAILAND – More than 1.2 million people travelled by state-run interprovincial buses during Thailand’s 10-day New Year holiday period, with the northeast emerging as the top destination and safety figures remaining strong.
Record holiday traffic on state bus network
From 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the state-owned Transport Company operated buses almost continuously, carrying a total of 1,283,311 passengers on 73,961 trips. Long-distance coaches thus remained the primary means of returning home for millions of Thais despite other transport options.
“Demand was enormous, but we were prepared,”
said Atthawit Rakjamroon, president of the company.
Northeast remains top destination
The absolute number one destination was the northeast, or Isaan, where many Bangkok residents traditionally returned to their roots. The north ranked second, followed by the south, with routes to these regions fully booked on peak days.
The busiest departure day was 30 December, when more than 141,630 passengers left Bangkok, while most travellers returned on 4 January, also with over 142,000 people on the move.
Outbound traffic exceeds return flow
During the festival period, 668,708 passengers travelled out of Bangkok, compared with 614,603 making the return journey. This underlined the strong pull of provincial hometowns during the New Year break.
The company reported that all travellers were accommodated, with no stranded passengers and sufficient buses deployed to meet demand.
Strong safety record, no deaths reported
Amid the travel rush, the fully state-operated BorKhorSor buses recorded zero accidents over the period. By contrast, concessioned joint-service buses were involved in six incidents in which 22 people were injured, though no fatalities occurred.
Authorities attributed the outcome to strict safety measures and inspections.
“Our top priority was to get everyone safely to their destination,”
said a transport spokesperson.
Operational challenge handled smoothly
Contrary to many fears, operations ran smoothly despite the mass influx of travellers. The company highlighted the role of thousands of drivers, dispatch staff and service personnel in ensuring a seamless process.
According to the operator, the holiday travel surge also brought a notable boost in revenue, benefitting not only transport providers but also the regions receiving the visitors.
Snapshot of Thai society and future outlook
Officials described the statistics as a reflection of Thai society, showing the deep connection between the urban population and its rural origins. Despite rising air travel and more private cars, buses continued to serve as the “democratic backbone” of mobility for the majority.
The successful handling of the New Year wave was seen as a positive sign for the upcoming Songkran festival in April, the next major peak in Thailand’s travel calendar.