Thailand’s Road Safety Operation Centre reported 171 road accidents on 12 April 2026, resulting in 169 injuries and 24 deaths, as authorities intensified enforcement during the Songkran holiday. Over the first three days of the campaign from 10 to 12 April, totals reached 515 accidents, 486 injuries and 95 fatalities. Officials ordered stricter controls nationwide, including a ban on alcohol sales to those under 20 and increased monitoring of high-risk behaviour.
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The announcement was made on 13 April at 10:30 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Padungsak Surachitkamjornwat, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport, said speeding accounted for 46.20 percent of accidents, while drink driving made up 24.56 percent. Motorcycles were involved in 77.17 percent of incidents, with most crashes occurring on straight roads and local village routes.
The highest number of accidents on 12 April was recorded in Suphan Buri with 10 cases, while Phrae reported the most injuries at nine people. Bangkok recorded the highest death toll with three fatalities that day and six cumulatively over three days. The age group most affected was 20 to 29 years, accounting for 22.80 percent of casualties.
Authorities highlighted that Songkran Day on 13 April typically sees large crowds travelling and celebrating with water activities and alcohol consumption. Provinces and Bangkok were instructed to enforce 10 key road safety measures, increase checkpoints and ensure entertainment venues comply with legal opening hours. Officials also warned against unsafe water throwing, particularly at motorcycles and discouraged riding in the back of pickup trucks.
Separately the Probation Department reported 1,750 cases over the same three-day period, including 1,613 drink driving cases, 134 drug-impaired driving cases and three reckless driving cases. On 12 April alone, 140 cases entered probation, with drink driving accounting for 95 percent. Chiang Mai recorded the highest number of drink driving cases at 246, followed by Nonthaburi with 147 and Samut Prakan with 145.
Officials said enforcement would continue alongside public awareness campaigns urging drivers to assess their fitness before travelling and avoid risky behaviour. Emergency response systems have been placed on standby to ensure rapid assistance, with a 24-hour hotline available for reporting accidents.
Authorities pledged continued monitoring throughout the festival period, with coordinated efforts between agencies and volunteers to reduce casualties. Community service activities involving probationers are also being deployed to support safety operations and reinforce the message to avoid drink driving.
Pictures courtesy of DDPM
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Adapted by ASEAN Now DDPM 13 Apr 2026