Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport is urging Thai citizens to prioritize safety during the upcoming 2026 Songkran festival, emphasizing the importance of driver behavior in reducing accident statistics. The initiative, themed "This year's Songkran accident statistics: decrease or increase depends on you," is particularly focused on minimizing fatalities, especially among motorcyclists, who have historically been the most affected group.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, highlighted that accident-prone areas are often within a 5-kilometer radius of homes. Familiarity with these routes tends to lead to negligence, compounded by the festive atmosphere of Songkran, characterized by water splashing and alcohol consumption in residential areas. Drunk driving remains a significant cause of accidents during this period.
The campaign stresses the importance of helmet usage, even for short distances, to reduce the risk of serious injuries. The Department of Land Transport aims to shift public attitudes and behaviors, addressing negligence as a primary cause of accidents. The campaign calls upon Thais to follow simple guidelines to lower accident rates.
Key recommendations include refraining from drinking and driving to mitigate accidents often caused by intoxication. The campaign also emphasizes the necessity of wearing helmets to lessen injury severity, particularly for motorcyclists, the most accident-prone group. Additionally, it encourages cautious driving, adherence to speed limits, and strict compliance with traffic regulations to ensure personal and public safety.
To maximize the campaign's reach, the Department has developed materials for widespread distribution through various agencies. This includes a television commercial that starkly illustrates the reality of road fatalities, aiming to make drivers reconsider their actions. A key visual with images of wrecked vehicles and a statistics scale further communicates the message that reducing fatalities is contingent on traffic discipline. Additionally, infographics are provided to educate the public on confidently using public transportation and surviving emergency situations.