Bangkok: On the inaugural day of the road safety campaign during the Songkran festival 2026, a staggering 20 fatalities and 135 accidents were reported, as revealed by the Road Safety Center. The center emphasized its dedication to enhancing public travel safety, enforcing traffic laws, and curbing risky behaviors that contribute to road mishaps.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported the accident statistics on April 10, 2026. The accidents resulted in 132 injuries alongside the 20 fatalities. Notably, 59 provinces reported zero fatalities. The Road Safety Center is collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure smooth public travel on major and inter-provincial routes by enforcing laws strictly and continuously. They also highlighted the importance of local mechanisms, community checkpoints, and volunteers to monitor and warn individuals with risky behaviors.
Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, summarized the operations of the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center during the Songkran Festival 2026. He reported that speeding and sudden cutting in front of other vehicles were the leading causes of accidents, with motorcycles being the most involved vehicles. Most incidents occurred on straight roads, highways, and local roads, particularly between 3:01 PM and 6:00 PM. The 60-69 age group recorded the highest number of injuries and deaths. Trang and Songkhla provinces witnessed the most accidents, with Trang having the highest injuries and Prachinburi and Songkhla the highest deaths.
Efforts are underway to manage major roads and connecting routes between provinces, focusing on high-risk behaviors like speeding and drunk driving. Inspections will ensure drivers and vehicles are compliant with safety standards. The Road Safety Center will also investigate illegal passenger transport services.
Route management strategies include using traffic cones and warning lights to inform the public about checkpoints and traffic islands. They also stress the importance of drivers being physically prepared and ensuring their vehicles are insured and taxes paid.
Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the DDPM and Secretary of the National Road Safety Center, stressed the importance of local mechanisms and community resources in monitoring and advising citizens on traffic law compliance. Additionally, the weather forecast predicts hot and hazy conditions in upper Thailand, which may cause fatigue. Southern Thailand will experience hot weather with scattered thunderstorms, urging drivers to be cautious and considerate during the Songkran holiday.