BANGKOK, THAILAND – Over the first four days of the 2026 Songkran holidays, 154 people died and 755 road accidents were recorded nationwide, with speeding, drunk driving and motorcycle crashes dominating the toll.
Songkran campaign toll on day four
The Thai Road Safety Centre presented the figures for 13 April 2569 at 10:30 a.m. at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Officials reported 237 accidents on the fourth day of the “Seven Dangerous Days” campaign.
These crashes left 224 people injured and 51 dead in a single day. The data underlined the persistent risks on Thailand’s roads during the New Year festival period.
Main causes: speed and alcohol
Excessive speed was identified as the leading cause, accounting for 41.77 percent of accidents. Drunk driving followed as the second major factor, responsible for 27.43 percent.
Authorities stressed that traffic laws would be enforced more strictly throughout the holidays. The aim was to curb reckless driving and reduce fatalities during the peak travel period.
Motorcycles hit hardest
Motorcycles were involved in 70.93 percent of all crashes, far more than any other type of vehicle. The figures confirmed two-wheeled vehicles as the most vulnerable mode of transport during Songkran.
Most accidents occurred on straight sections of road, accounting for 75.53 percent of cases. A significant share, 36.29 percent, took place on roads in tambon administrative areas and villages.
Risky times and age groups
The most dangerous period of the day fell between 3:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., which made up 20.25 percent of all accidents. This late-afternoon window coincided with high traffic and peak festive activity.
The highest numbers of injured and dead were recorded in the 20–29 and 30–39 age brackets, each representing 17.82 percent. Young and middle-aged adults were therefore disproportionately affected.
Hotspot provinces and death toll
Chumphon and Chiang Rai each reported 12 accidents on 13 April, the most of any province that day. Chumphon also had the highest number of injured, with 13 people hurt.
Pathum Thani and Loei recorded the most deaths on that day, with four fatalities each. Over the four-day period, Bangkok reported the highest total number of deaths, at eight.
Four-day totals: 755 crashes, 154 dead
In total, 755 accidents were recorded nationwide from 10–13 April. These crashes left 705 people injured and 154 dead.
The province of Lampang had the highest combined number of accidents and injuries over the four days, with 33 crashes and 34 injured. The figures highlighted persistent regional hotspots despite nationwide controls.
‘Family Day’ focus on water zones and tourist sites
With 14 April observed as “Family Day”, many people were expected to visit relatives, go to temples or celebrate Songkran in designated zones. The Road Safety Centre ordered tighter safety measures in play areas and tourist locations.
Authorities targeted risky behaviour such as sitting or standing in pickup truck beds and the use of high-pressure water guns. They also moved to strictly prevent alcohol sales within event areas and to minors.
On-the-ground checks: community and family checkpoints
To prevent accidents, officials planned to use “community checkpoints” and “family checkpoints”. These sites would be used to stop risky behaviour early, including drunk driving, missing protective gear and unsafe motorcycles.
Those who ignored warnings were to be prosecuted in cooperation with local police. The intention was to stop high‑risk drivers before they could leave festival zones and enter main roads.
Return traffic to Bangkok: avoiding jams and fatigue
DDPM chief Thiraphat Kachamat said traffic volumes remained high due to Songkran trips and early returns to Bangkok and other home provinces. Many travellers tried to avoid heavier congestion expected on the following day.
Authorities were instructed to manage traffic on main routes and in construction zones. They were told to set up suitable control and service points and to strengthen measures against driver fatigue and rear-end collisions.
Public transport: zero alcohol and mandatory breaks
Provincial transport offices were ordered to check the safety of all types of public transport. They were also told to ensure that vehicles and staff remained fit for service after several consecutive days of operation.
Drivers were required to have a zero blood alcohol level and to be free of drugs or psychotropic substances. They were advised to take at least a 30‑minute break after every four hours of driving and to stop at designated checkpoints.
Emergency contacts: 24-hour assistance
People who experienced or witnessed an accident could report it around the clock via the 1784 hotline. This service was intended to speed up emergency response nationwide.
In addition, reports could be filed via Line under “ปภ.รับแจ้งเหตุ1784” by adding the Line ID @1784DDPM. Authorities encouraged the public to use these channels throughout the Songkran period.