Bangkok: The Road Safety Center announced a significant decrease in road accidents, injuries, and fatalities during the Songkran festival on April 14th, compared to the previous year. This positive trend was highlighted in a press conference led by Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice and chairman of the Road Safety Center.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that during the Songkran holiday period on April 14th, there were 192 road accidents, marking a reduction of 12.73% from the previous year. Phrae province recorded the highest number of incidents with 16 accidents. The statistics also revealed a decrease in injuries, totaling 202, a reduction of 6.05%, with Phrae again leading in the number of injuries at 12. Fatalities also saw a decline, with 30 deaths reported, a 14.29% decrease, including 14 deaths at the scene and 16 in hospitals. The primary causes of these accidents were attributed to speeding and drunk driving.
The Road Safety Center noted that motorcycles were the most involved vehicle in these incidents, representing 67.37% of the cases. The leading risk behavior was identified as not wearing a helmet. Accidents were most prevalent between 3:01 PM and 6:00 PM, accounting for 23.96% of the incidents. The age group most affected was 20-29 years, comprising 23.71% of the injuries and fatalities.
Cumulatively, from April 10-14, 2026, there were a total of 951 accidents, resulting in 911 injuries and 191 fatalities. As the Songkran holiday concludes today, many are returning to Bangkok, causing heavy traffic and increased accident risks. The Road Safety Center has coordinated with provincial authorities to adapt road safety plans in response to these conditions, involving police, military, administrative officials, volunteers, and local agencies to manage traffic and facilitate the public's return.
Efforts to manage traffic include expediting flow on congested roads, opening special lanes, closing U-turns, adjusting traffic lights, and considering the establishment of checkpoints to prevent drowsy driving and collisions. Checkpoint personnel are tasked with inspecting vehicles on accident-prone routes and assessing driver readiness to mitigate drowsy driving accidents.
The Road Safety Center has mandated the integration of all relevant agencies to ensure public safety, with a focus on strict enforcement of traffic laws, particularly concerning drunk driving. Offenders will face real arrests and probation. Measures are also being strengthened to restrict alcohol sales to minors and curb risky behaviors in all areas.
Moreover, the Road Safety Center has directed law enforcement to rigorously enforce "10 main offenses" measures, enhance control in swimming areas and tourist destinations, and intensify community and family checkpoints. This approach aims to deter risky driving behaviors under the "Drunk Driving, Real Arrest" policy, which entails decisive prosecution and legal referral.
Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat expressed his gratitude to provincial governors and business operators for their cooperation and commended officers for apprehending individuals engaging in risky behaviors. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the health of officers working in hot weather conditions.
The Road Safety Center further highlighted weather conditions that may impact travel. Thailand will experience hot to very hot weather, with scattered thunderstorms expected in the Northeast, East, and South regions, necessitating extra caution for drivers. Additionally, air pollution levels in the North, Northeast, and upper Central regions have exceeded standards, prompting recommendations to avoid open areas and use N95 masks outdoors. Travelers are urged to report accidents or request assistance via the hotline 1784 or through the Line account 'DDPM Emergency Reporting 1784'.