Bangkok: The Road Safety Center (RSC) has reported a notable decrease in road accidents during the New Year period of 2026, with a reduction in both injuries and fatalities.
According to Thai News Agency, the RSC's summary of the road accident prevention and reduction efforts during this period showed a significant decline in incidents. The center recorded 142 accidents, resulting in 155 injuries and 19 fatalities on the last day of the 7-day campaign which ran from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026. In total, there were 1,511 accidents, 1,464 injuries, and 272 fatalities over the entire campaign period.
Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior for Disaster Prevention and Urban Development, shared insights at a press conference, noting that the causes of accidents were primarily speeding and sudden lane changes. Motorcycles were involved in the majority of incidents, and most accidents occurred on straight roads and highways. The peak accident time was between 3:01 PM and 6:00 PM. The provinces of Phatthalung and Yala experienced the highest number of accidents, while Nakhon Sawan recorded the highest number of fatalities.
The cumulative statistics showed Phuket had the most accidents, followed by Bangkok with the highest number of fatalities. Five provinces recorded zero fatalities. Mr. Chaiwat emphasized the need for continuous efforts to address risk behaviors such as speeding and drunk driving, urging relevant agencies to maintain strict enforcement of traffic laws throughout the year.
Regarding victim assistance, the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Protection Company Limited provided compensation swiftly to the heirs of victims. However, 41.35% of victims did not have compulsory insurance, placing financial burdens on their families. The RSC plans to enhance prevention efforts for future festivals, such as Songkran, by integrating resources from the Road Safety Fund and involving local entities in promoting road safety.
Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, underscored the importance of analyzing data to improve future strategies. The RSC aims to use successful local models to guide broader initiatives, engaging all sectors and raising public awareness to foster a culture of road safety in Thailand. The ad hoc subcommittee has also outlined eight key action areas to enhance road safety, intending to submit these recommendations to the Cabinet for further action.
The RSC, along with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, expressed gratitude to the officials, volunteers, and media for their efforts in ensuring public safety during the holiday season. They called for ongoing collaboration to create safer roads and reduce accident rates in the future.