7 Dangerous Days, Road Safety Measures Extended as Thais Return from Songkran Holidays

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of DDPM.

 

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a strong directive for provincial authorities to remain vigilant and continue strict enforcement of traffic laws as millions of Thais return home following the Songkran holidays. The Centre for Road Safety Administration, under the Ministry of Interior, held a press briefing on 17 April, to outline ongoing safety measures and report the latest statistics on road accidents during the festive period.

 

Mr. Khachon Srichawanothai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Chairman of the Special Subcommittee on Road Safety, urged all provinces and agencies to remain on high alert, especially on primary and secondary routes, transport hubs, and interprovincial highways leading back to Bangkok.

 

 

“Although the majority of people have returned to Bangkok and major cities, many continue to travel or have extended their holidays. Authorities must maintain efforts to manage traffic, inspect public transport vehicles, and provide convenience and safety for all travellers,” Mr. Khachon said.

 

He also emphasised the importance of preventing risky behaviours, such as speeding, drunk driving, abrupt lane changes, and the failure to use safety equipment. Local officials, including village heads and community leaders, have been instructed to monitor their residents and discourage dangerous behaviours, particularly drunk driving.

 

According to data released by the DDPM, motorcycles accounted for the highest number of accidents during the six-day campaign, representing 83.32% of all cases. Speeding remained the leading cause, followed by abrupt lane changes and poor visibility. The majority of incidents occurred on straight roads, especially those maintained by the Department of Highways and in rural villages.

 

Mr. Saharat Wongsakunwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, called on provinces to integrate accident data from all relevant agencies and prepare comprehensive reports. These will be used to evaluate and improve safety operations during future festivals and long holidays.

 

On 16 April 2025 alone, 155 road accidents were reported, resulting in 149 injuries and 22 fatalities. Most accidents took place between 15:01 and 18:00 PM, with young adults aged 20–29 being the most affected demographic.

 

Lampang recorded the highest number of crashes (9), while the provinces with the most fatalities (2 each) were Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Pathum Thani, Ang Thong, and Phetchaburi. In total, over the first six days of the Songkran safety campaign (11–16 April), there were 1,377 road accidents, with 1,362 injuries and 200 fatalities. Fifteen provinces reported zero deaths.

Authorities have set up 1,754 official checkpoints nationwide, staffed by over 50,000 officers to monitor traffic, enforce road laws, and prevent fatigued or impaired driving. With thunderstorms and heavy rain forecasted in the North, Northeast, and Central regions from 18–20 April, and stormy seas expected in Southern coastal areas, officials are also ramping up safety measures for maritime travel and issuing public weather warnings.

 

Travellers are urged to rest adequately, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, wear helmets and seatbelts, and strictly observe traffic laws.

 

As the country continues its efforts to reduce road casualties, authorities hope that increased awareness and sustained enforcement will lead to safer roads for all.

 

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1357881-7-dangerous-days-sees-step-up-in-road-safety-measures-for-post-songkran-travel/

 

-- 2025-04-17

 

[Gottfrid]

It´s really pathetic that they have to remind people like this 2 times per year. Looks like the undereducated government are ruling over a day care center

[Henk Langeweg]

Looks like the SongKran 7 dangerous days, is the least lethal period of the year ...

[actonion]

Just maybe, YOU, The Thai government may see a dramaitic  drop in Road Traffic  accidents if you taught your citizens how to drive & read,  and produced a Highway code

[Ralf001]

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

It´s really pathetic that they have to remind people like this 2 times per year. Looks like the undereducated government are ruling over a day care center

 

Baffle me why they have these campaigns to be honest.

 

Statistically less die on the roads during these holidays.

 

Statisically the farnags on this forum moan about it more on these holidays (as if they have any say)... but do not show the same "road deaths" butthurt on any other day... go figure.

[Ralf001]

4 minutes ago, actonion said:

Just maybe, YOU, The Thai government may see a dramaitic  drop in Road Traffic  accidents if you taught your citizens how to drive & read,  and produced a Highway code

 

There is a highway code.

 

In which country does a government teach citizens how to drive and read ?

[webfact]

please continue here:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1358014-thailand’s-songkran-200-deaths-mark-7-dangerous-days-of-festival/

 

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/Admin