Songkran traffic accidents spike in Thailand’s first six days, with 2,008 reported incidents

During the first six days of Thailand‘s Songkran festival, there were 2,008 traffic accidents reported, marking an increase from last year’s more subdued celebrations. Although the festivities resulted in a higher number of casualties this year, the overall number of road deaths has decreased, according to recent data from the Interior Ministry.

Chotenarin Kerdsom, permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, revealed that between April 11 and April 16, the 2,008 traffic accidents claimed 236 lives and injured 2,005 other individuals. Compared to the same period during last year’s Thai New Year celebrations, the number of injured persons increased by 18%, and the total accidents grew by 16%. However, the death toll experienced a drop of 4.45%.

Chotenarin reported that Bangkok suffered the highest number of holiday-related fatalities to date, with 20 deaths. In addition, the northern province of Nan recorded the highest traffic accident rates, with 62 incidents and 63 injured individuals.

On Sunday, April 16, the sixth day of the Songkran Festival travel period, there were 263 traffic accidents resulting in 36 deaths and 268 injuries. The most common cause of these accidents was speeding, accounting for 39%, followed by drink driving at 24%. Motorcycles were involved in 78% of the accidents, added Chotenarin.

Weerakit Hanpariphan, director-general of the Probation Department, stated that during the six days, courts ordered probation in 6,705 cases of drink driving, 230 cases of drivers found to be under the influence of drugs, and 23 cases of reckless driving.