7 Dangerous Days, Sees Step up in Road Safety Measures for Post-Songkran Travel

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of DDPM.

 

The Road Safety Centre (ศปถ.) has revised its strategy to manage the return of thousands of holidaymakers heading back to Bangkok and major provinces at the close of the Songkran festival. Authorities have intensified road safety protocols, stepping up inspections on vehicles and assessing driver fitness to ensure safe travel nationwide.

 

Speaking at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) this morning, officials announced the latest statistics for road crashes during the Thai New Year celebrations. With today marking the final day of the festival and a substitute public holiday, significant traffic congestion is expected, particularly on main routes into the capital.

 

 

In response the safety centre, has coordinated with provincial authorities to adjust operations, enhancing cooperation between police, military, administrative officers, and local volunteers. These agencies are working jointly to manage traffic flow and assist travellers throughout their journey. Special attention is being paid to high-risk routes, where authorities are conducting strict vehicle checks and evaluating driver alertness to prevent accidents caused by fatigue or speeding.

 

Mr. Khajon Srichawanotai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and head of the Road Safety Centre’s working group, reported that overall crashes, injuries, and fatalities have decreased compared to last year. However, speeding and drink-driving remain the leading causes. He stressed the continued enforcement of traffic laws, not only during the festival but throughout the year.

 

“Particularly on long, straight stretches of road, where drivers often exceed speed limits, enforcement must be strict,” said Mr. Khajon. “Officers are also tasked with monitoring transport hubs to ensure smooth operations and safety for travellers, including public bus drivers and freight transporters.”

 

Mr. Chakree Bamrungwong, Inspector-General at the Ministry of Transport, noted a shift in travel patterns this year, with more people opting for public transport. Bus usage increased by 7%, while rail and air travel surged by over 30%. Transport agencies have responded by increasing service frequency across all modes of travel. Nationwide checkpoints are inspecting public buses, trains, boats, and their operators, ensuring they are not under the influence of alcohol or sedative medications, a known cause of driver fatigue.

 

“To accommodate the influx of returnees, provinces have been instructed to check the readiness of all public transport vehicles and drivers,” Mr. Chakree said. “GPS tracking and onboard laser cameras are also being used to monitor compliance. Violators will face legal action.”

 

The Ministry of Transport has also expanded ticketing options and launched public campaigns promoting appropriate behaviour on public transport, aiming to ensure all travellers reach their destinations safely.

 

Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, urged motorists to prioritise personal well-being and vehicle maintenance before embarking on long drives. “Drivers should rest every one to two hours and stop immediately if they feel drowsy. Rest stops and petrol stations are available along all major routes,” he advised.

 

With summer storms expected in several regions, including the North, Central, and South, drivers are warned to be cautious of slippery roads and reduced visibility, which heighten the risk of accidents.

 

Accident Statistics (15 April 2025):

 

Accidents: 214

Injuries: 209

Fatalities: 27

 

Main causes: Speeding (36.92%), drink-driving (31.31%), poor visibility (20.09%)

Vehicles involved: Motorcycles (85.32%)

Accident locations: Straight roads (87.38%), highways (36.45%), village roads (33.18%)

Peak times: 18:01–21:00 (22.90%), 15:01–18:00 PM (20.56%), 00:01–03:00 (13.55%)

Highest fatality age group: 20–29 years (20.34%)

Over the five-day campaign (11–15 April), a total of 1,216 accidents occurred, with 1,208 people injured and 171 fatalities reported. Twenty-one provinces reported zero fatalities. Phatthalung recorded the most accidents (44), Lampang the most injuries (47), and Bangkok the most deaths (15).

 

Authorities stress continued vigilance on the roads as the nation transitions back to normal activity after Songkran.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1357797-138-deaths-in-first-four-days-of-songkran’s-“seven-dangerous-days”/

 

-- 2025-04-16

 

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The Road Safety Centre (ศปถ.) has revised its strategy to manage the return of thousands of holidaymakers heading back to Bangkok and major provinces at the close of the Songkran festival. Authorities have intensified road safety protocols, stepping up inspections on vehicles and assessing driver fitness to ensure safe travel nationwide.

Keep revising you'll work it out one day....

[thailand49]

Year after year we have the same warning same results, I serious doubt anyone is really checking but it is clear they are under those tents playing with their phones!🤑  Twenty years I've been driving up and down for Songkran, never been stopped!

[blaze master]

The one trick pony show is boring Thailand. 

[bbbbooboo]

this joke about  road “safety” has been going on for 15 years that i know of. Most people would be embarassed to

wear a police uniform by now, but TIT

[Artisi]

I've been driving in Thailand for getting on for 25 years and would say the vast majority of drivers are ok, However the difference between ok and completely useless is unbelievable - bike riders is another dimension entirely as shown by the number reported here and unfortunately as the wealth increases so does the number of bike riders moving into cars bringing  their highly skilled self-destructive techniques with them.