BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Health Ministry issued stepped-up road safety warnings for older drivers ahead of the Songkran holidays after traffic deaths among seniors doubled over 15 years.
Warning before Songkran focuses on seniors at the wheel
The Ministry of Public Health intensified its traffic safety alerts for older motorists in the run-up to the long Songkran break. The move followed new data analyses indicating a clear rise in fatal crashes involving seniors.
Officials framed the holiday period as a high-risk time for older road users and called for stricter adherence to safety guidelines. The ministry highlighted seniors as a priority group in this year’s messaging.
‘Songkran Family Safety Plus’ campaign outlined
At a press conference titled “Songkran Family Safety Plus,” deputy permanent secretary Dr. Weerawut Imsamran set out the main pillars of the campaign. In addition to existing measures against speeding, drunk driving and fatigue, this year placed particular emphasis on older women and men behind the wheel.
The campaign aimed to integrate senior-focused advice into broader Songkran safety work. Authorities stressed that family members should play an active role in reducing risks for elderly relatives.
Sharp rise in deaths among older road users
According to ministry figures, the number of deaths from traffic accidents involving older people rose from 2,150 cases in 2011 to 4,342 cases in 2025. Older drivers accounted for 80% of the fatalities within this age group.
Officials cited these numbers as evidence of a worrying trend that required targeted intervention. They argued that demographic change and increased mobility among seniors made tailored safety strategies essential.
Five safety factors for the journey
Dr. Weerawut named five core factors for safe travel, starting with good vision, labelled “safe vision,” and physical fitness, or “safe body.” He added judgment and concentration, termed “safe brain,” as another key element.
The remaining factors were handling pre-existing conditions and medications that might cause drowsiness, described as “safe health,” and support from family members, or “safe care,” for example when younger relatives drive if needed. These concepts were presented as a checklist for families planning holiday trips with elderly drivers.
24-hour operation centers and traffic safety coordination
To strengthen prevention, the ministry activated emergency operation centers staffed around the clock. These units were coordinated with the national traffic safety center.
The goal was to bundle and implement warnings, assistance and concrete measures more quickly during the festive period. Authorities said this structure would help them respond in real time to emerging risks on the roads.
Checkpoint checks: health aides to screen seniors
Across the country, village health volunteers were to be deployed at community checkpoints to examine and advise older drivers. The focus was especially on seniors with chronic illnesses or those taking medications that could impair their decision-making ability.
These volunteers were tasked with offering on-the-spot guidance and, where necessary, urging at-risk seniors to reconsider driving. Officials hoped the presence of trained local aides would make interventions more acceptable to elderly motorists and their families.
Speed and alcohol undermine judgment
“Speed and alcohol consumption significantly affect drivers’ judgment.”
said Dr. Weerawut, referring to key risk factors behind serious crashes.
He advised that older drivers should check their hearing, eyesight, mobility and mental readiness before setting off. If in doubt, they were urged not to drive themselves, but to seek support from relatives instead.
Songkran coincides with National Day of Older Persons
Songkran coincided with the National Day of Older Persons and Family Day, making this period particularly relevant for safety appeals. This overlap was used to draw attention to the needs and vulnerabilities of seniors in traffic.
For older people, Dr. Weerawut said, this was a crucial time to sharpen awareness of road risks. He framed the holiday as both a celebration and an opportunity to protect senior family members on Thailand’s busy roads.