Bangkok: Police have officially closed the command center tasked with preventing and reducing road accidents during the Songkran festival, resulting in a significant decrease in incidents. The operation, marked by effective collaboration between police forces and the public, achieved a more than 19% reduction in accidents. Authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance during the return journeys and the "Wan Lai" period.
According to Thai News Agency, Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center for the Songkran Festival 2026, alongside Police General Somprasong Yenthuam, Special Advisor to the Royal Thai Police, announced the closure of the center. This initiative was part of an assignment by Police General Kittirat Panpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and operated from April 10-17, 2026.
The Royal Thai Police reported a 19.25% decrease in accidents during the 7-day Songkran festival intensified control period, from April 10-16, 2026. The statistics revealed a total of 1,242 accidents, a drop of 296 from the previous year. Injuries were reduced by 295, totaling 1,200, a 19.73% reduction. Fatalities also decreased, with 242 recorded compared to 253 in 2025.
During the nationwide intensified traffic law enforcement period, a total of 435,387 offenders were recorded across 10 major offenses. The most serious included not wearing a helmet, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence, and driving against the flow of traffic.
The Royal Thai Police expressed gratitude to all officers for their efforts in ensuring safe travel during the festival. Special thanks were given to field officers who sacrificed personal holidays. Traffic management measures will continue in various areas during the "Wan Lai" festival, using previous Songkran protocols. Units are advised to review experiences for future festival planning.
Technology, such as CCTV and drones, supported operations by monitoring traffic conditions, providing public information, and aiding future guidelines. Pol. Gen. Somprasong commended police in 10 provinces with no fatalities and urged strict law enforcement, especially against repeat offenders in drunk driving cases.
The offense of "driving under the influence" carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, with harsher consequences for repeat offenses or accidents causing harm or death. Drivers refusing alcohol tests face presumptions of influence and further charges.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chintakanon stated that traffic police are ready to assist citizens with issues like vehicle breakdowns and provide accident reports or route information through various hotlines and online platforms available 24/7.