Thailand recorded 71 deaths and 344 road accidents over the first two days of the 2026 Songkran holiday period, according to the updated figures from the Road Safety Operation Centre (RSOC). The figures highlight a rise in fatalities during what is traditionally known as the “Seven Dangerous Days”. Authorities have responded by tightening enforcement and increasing safety measures across the country.
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On 12 April 2026, at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, announced that on 11 April alone, there were 208 accidents, 185 injuries, and 50 deaths. Speeding accounted for 45.71 percent of accidents, followed by drink driving at 24.76 percent. Motorcycles were involved in 61 percent of incidents, with most crashes occurring on straight roads and highways.
The highest number of accidents and injuries on 11 April were recorded in Lampang, with 12 accidents and 14 injuries. The highest number of deaths was reported in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phitsanulok, with three fatalities each. Most victims were aged between 20 and 29 years, representing 22.88 percent of casualties.
Cumulative data for 10 to 11 April showed 344 accidents, 317 injuries, and 71 deaths nationwide. Nan recorded the highest number of accidents at 17, while Nan and Lampang reported the highest injuries with 17 each. Prachinburi and Phitsanulok recorded the highest cumulative deaths at four each, while 39 provinces reported zero fatalities.
Separately, the Department of Probation reported 1,174 cases entering probation on 11 April, of which 1,127 cases, or 96 percent, involved drink driving. Drug-impaired driving accounted for 47 cases. Over the first two days, there were 1,610 cases in total, including 1,480 drink driving cases, 127 drug-related cases, and three reckless driving cases. Chiang Mai recorded the highest number of drink driving cases at 246, followed by Nonthaburi with 147 and Samut Prakan with 145.
Authorities have intensified safety efforts as many people continue travelling or celebrating. Measures include stricter law enforcement, monitoring of Songkran water play zones and restrictions on alcohol sales to individuals under 20 years old. Community checkpoints and door-to-door visits are being used to deter risky behaviour such as drink driving, failure to wear safety equipment, and driving without licences.
Officials have also deployed rapid response teams to festival areas and religious sites to prevent dangerous behaviour. Public health volunteers and local authorities are working together to stop intoxicated individuals from driving.
Amarin reported that authorities are urging the public to follow traffic laws and avoid risky behaviour to reduce further casualties. Emergency incidents can be reported via hotline 1784 or the Line account @1784DDPM for immediate assistance.
Picture courtesy of DDPM
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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 12 Apr 2026