The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has released its latest figures for road accidents during the New Year festivities. On 1 January alone, 50 fatalities were recorded, bringing the total death toll to 272 over the notorious first “six dangerous days.”

 

Mr. Phaskorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the DDPM, announced the statistics on 2 January during a briefing at the Road Safety Centre. He highlighted the critical need for caution as many people have now returned to Bangkok and other key economic hubs after the holiday.

 

The centre has instructed authorities to closely monitor high-risk behaviours, particularly speeding, which has been the leading cause of accidents for six consecutive days. Emphasis was placed on using local networks, such as community checkpoints, to deter reckless driving.

 

“Drivers are urged to exercise caution, adhere strictly to traffic laws, avoid speeding, wear helmets and seatbelts, and check their vehicles and travel routes, including weather conditions, before setting off,” Mr. Phaskorn stated.

 

On New Year’s Day, 339 accidents were reported, resulting in 346 injuries and 50 deaths. The main causes of crashes were:

 

• Speeding (38.94%)

• Drink-driving (31.56%)

• Poor visibility (16.81%)

 

Motorcycles were involved in 86.42% of crashes, with most incidents occurring on straight roads (81.12%), particularly on highways (40.71%) and local roads (30.09%).

 

The peak incident times were between midnight and 02:00 and again between 18:00 and 19:00. Most victims were aged 20–29, accounting for 24.49% of the total.

 

Surat Thani province recorded the highest number of crashes (24), injuries (36), and deaths (7) on 1 January.

 

From 27 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, a total of 1,739 crashes were recorded, resulting in 1,694 injuries and 272 deaths. Eight provinces reported zero fatalities, while Surat Thani led the nation in crashes (63), injuries (73), and cumulative fatalities (12).

 

Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to reduce crashes and ensure safer travel during holiday seasons.

 

Related articles.

 

Crackdown on Drink Driving: 19 Drivers Fitted with EM Bracelets in Just One Day: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347673-crackdown-on-drink-driving-19-drivers-fitted-with-em-bracelets-in-just-one-day/

 

 

Deadly New Year Roads: 215 Deaths in Five Days: 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1347645-deadly-new-year-roads-215-deaths-in-five-days/

 

 

-- 2025-01-02

 

Seems the main cause of crashes is - stupidity resulting from speeding, drinking and brains in neutral. 

272 death / 6 days = 45.3 death per day.

That is about average every day of the year in Thailand - since decades.

When will Thai politicians and press address this big elephant in the room?

If the police do nothing every day, why should we even hope that things might get better? 

 

 Bring in 10,000 traffic cops from the US and implement a year long saturation campaign of handing out traffic citations and stiff penalties.

21 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

272 death / 6 days = 45.3 death per day.

That is about average every day of the year in Thailand - since decades.

When will Thai politicians and press address this big elephant in the room?

If the police do nothing every day, why should we even hope that things might get better? 

 

There is massive under reporting of the daily figures and deaths that occur in hospital in the following days are not included for obvious reasons.

 

'First six days' - is it ten days in total that they count (27 Dec - 5 Jan)? Last year the figure was more than 500.. only counting those dead at the scene (not those who succumb later in hospitals).