Bangkok: The Road Safety Center is actively coordinating with provinces to enforce stricter control measures during New Year's Eve countdown events. The initiative aims to ensure safety on both main and secondary roads and to deter risky behaviors that could lead to accidents.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported significant statistics on road accidents for December 30, 2025, which marked the first day of intensified control measures. A total of 198 accidents occurred, resulting in 190 injuries and 29 fatalities. The Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center for the New Year Festival 2026 highlighted the importance of traffic management and strict law enforcement. This includes the establishment of community checkpoints and public awareness campaigns to minimize losses during the New Year festival.
Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, emphasized the need for intensified road safety measures during the festival under the slogan "Safe Driving, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents." The primary causes of accidents were identified as speeding, drunk driving, and sudden lane changes, with motorcycles being the most involved vehicles. The data revealed that the riskiest driver behavior was not wearing a helmet, and most accidents occurred on straight roads and highways, particularly between 6:01 PM and 9:00 PM. Chiang Rai and Phuket reported the highest number of accidents, while Bangkok had the highest fatalities.
Efforts are being made to ensure public safety as people travel and celebrate in different areas. The Road Safety Center has instructed strict monitoring of risky driver behaviors and emphasized the importance of checking on those stranded at bus stations to ensure their safe return home. The use of drone technology to monitor traffic conditions and restore road surfaces is also being implemented to facilitate travel and reduce accidents.
Local agencies are encouraged to collaborate on surveying high-risk areas and enforcing measures against major traffic violations. Public awareness campaigns and the strategic placement of traffic cones and warning lights are part of the route management strategy. Police presence in high-risk areas aims to encourage drivers to reduce speed, while drivers are reminded to ensure their vehicles are safe and to be mentally prepared for driving.
Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stressed the importance of proactive measures through local mechanisms and community organizations. These include advising individuals with risky behaviors, establishing community checkpoints, and deploying rapid response teams to ensure safety at celebratory events. Public education on speed reduction and legal penalties is being disseminated through local media channels.
As celebrations take place, public transportation is advised for transporting people back to their hometowns. Community checkpoints will serve as the first line of defense against risks, ensuring safety and compliance with traffic laws. Businesses are warned against selling alcoholic beverages to underage individuals, with strict legal actions promised against offenders.
Finally, the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center urges the public to travel cautiously, adhere to traffic laws, and be considerate of fellow travelers. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day through various hotlines, ensuring immediate assistance in case of accidents.