The Road Safety Centre Reports 23 Deaths on 6th Dangerous Day

The Road Safety Centre has ordered tighter controls to manage the return journeys of holidaymakers as Songkran travel peaks, with strict checks on public transport and drivers. On April 15, 2026, 156 road accidents were recorded, leaving 161 people injured and 23 dead. Authorities are also preparing for additional risks including summer storms, fires and PM2.5 pollution.

Get today's headlines by email

The figures were released on April 16, 2026, at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, marking the sixth day of the Songkran road safety campaign running from April 10 to 15. Over the six-day period, there were 1,108 accidents, 1,073 injuries and 216 deaths nationwide. Speeding accounted for 43.59 percent of accidents, followed by drink driving at 25.64 percent, while motorcycles were involved in 67.84 percent of cases.

Most accidents occurred on straight roads (89.74 percent), particularly on highways (46.79 percent), with the highest risk period between 6.01pm and 9.00pm. People aged 20 to 29 were the most affected group, accounting for 24.46 percent of casualties. Chiang Rai recorded the highest number of daily accidents, injuries and deaths on April 15, while Phrae had the highest cumulative accidents and injuries, and Bangkok the highest cumulative fatalities.

Deputy Interior Minister Jate Suksawat said authorities had been instructed to adjust operations to handle the large-scale return of travellers to Bangkok and major provinces. Public transport must be sufficient to prevent passengers being stranded, while drivers must be physically fit and alcohol-free. Officials also highlighted the role of community checkpoints in preventing drink driving at the village level.

However, concerns remain over driver fatigue and poorly maintained vehicles, prompting orders for stricter inspections and enforcement of key road safety laws. Additional roadside checkpoints and rest areas are being encouraged, especially on main routes, to identify tired drivers and reduce risks of accidents caused by drowsiness.

Authorities are also warning of changing weather conditions, particularly summer storms expected in the northeast and eastern regions, as well as extreme heat and hazardous air pollution levels. Emergency response teams, firefighting units and disaster relief equipment have been placed on standby, while the public is advised to follow safety guidance and use protective masks outdoors where necessary.

The Road Safety Centre will deliver its final campaign report on April 17, with provincial offices instructed to verify data and summarise outcomes. Officials continue to urge drivers to rest when fatigued, avoid speeding and monitor weather updates to ensure safe journeys beyond the Songkran period.

Pictures courtesy of DDPM

Related stories

The-road-safety-centre-reports-30-deaths-on-5th-dangerous-day

Songkran-deaths-2-teens-killed-in-fall-from-pickup-in-Uthai-Thani

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now DDPM 16 Apr 2026

View full article