Day 4 Sees 21 Deaths as New Year Return Travel Increases

The Road Safety Centre (RSC) has ordered stricter nationwide measures to support large numbers of people returning from New Year holidays, warning that drink-driving will face severe penalties and may void insurance cover. For 2 January 2026, authorities reported 187 road accidents in a single day, leaving 185 people injured and 21 dead, as traffic volumes increased on major routes.

The figures were announced at 10.15am at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), where the Road Safety Centre summarised New Year road safety statistics for 2026. The data underscored ongoing risks during extended holiday travel, with officials urging drivers to avoid alcohol and fatigue.

The New Year road safety campaign, running from 30 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, was held under the slogan “Drive Safely, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents.” Over the first four days, a total of 991 accidents were recorded nationwide, resulting in 956 injuries and 171 deaths.

Picture courtesy of DDPM

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Ruththapol Naowarat, who chaired the briefing, said speeding accounted for 35.29% of accidents on 3 January, followed by drink-driving at 21.39%. Motorcycles were involved in 72.94% of cases, with most crashes occurring on straight roads and on highways managed by the Department of Highways.

Accidents most frequently occurred between 3.01pm and 6pm, while the highest number of casualties were among people aged 20–29, accounting for 15.53%. Prachin Buri and Phatthalung recorded the most accidents that day with 10 each, Phatthalung had the most injuries with 12, and Bueng Kan reported the highest fatalities with three.

Cumulatively, Phuket recorded the highest number of accidents and injuries over four days, while Bangkok had the highest number of deaths with 14. Pol Lt Gen Ruththapol stressed that drink-driving remains a leading cause of loss, noting that on 2 January alone, 1,349 of 1,401 probation cases were related to drunk driving.

He warned repeat offenders within two years face up to two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 baht and licence suspension or revocation. If drink-driving causes injury or death, courts may impose an additional half of the prescribed penalty.

Authorities also cautioned that drivers over the legal alcohol limit may not be covered by insurance, with insurers entitled to reclaim compensation paid to victims. The Office of Insurance Commission reported that more than half of motorcycles involved in accidents lacked compulsory insurance.

Officials said enhanced checkpoints, driver rest areas, and strict enforcement would continue as return travel peaks. Members of the public can report accidents via the 1784 hotline or Line ID @1784DDPM at any time.

Picture courtesy of DDPM

Key Takeaways

• Road accidents remain high as New Year return travel peaks, with drink-driving a major cause.

• Authorities warn of heavy penalties and loss of insurance cover for alcohol-related offences.

• Enhanced enforcement and public transport checks will continue nationwide.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from DDPM 2026-01-03