Road crashes fall, but 17 lives lost in Khmer New Year

Cambodia’s Khmer New Year celebrations saw a slight drop in road accidents compared to last year, yet 17 people still lost their lives over the three-day holiday.

From 14 to 16 April, the Ministry of Interior recorded 27 traffic accidents nationwide, leaving 45 injured. Twelve of the crashes occurred at night, according to ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak. While the figures show three fewer accidents and nine fewer deaths than in 2025, officials stressed that dangerous driving behaviours remain a major concern.

“The causes include speeding, failing to respect the right of way, reckless turning, drink-driving and vehicle defects,” Sokhak said, urging travellers to drive responsibly as millions returned from hometown visits.

The holiday period brought a surge in travel, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting more than 21 million visitors across the country. Phnom Penh alone hosted 4.4 million people, followed by Kampong Cham, Prey Veng, Siem Reap and Kampong Speu. Authorities said public order remained stable, with traditional “Sankranta” events drawing large crowds in both urban and rural areas.

Despite the festive atmosphere, road safety remains a pressing issue. In the first quarter of 2026, traffic accidents claimed 472 lives and injured more than 1,100 people. Phnom Penh recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Kandal, Sihanoukville, Kampong Speu and Banteay Meanchey.

Officials emphasised that stricter enforcement and public awareness are essential to reduce fatalities. Sokhak appealed directly to drivers: “Do not drive too fast. Do not overtake at risk. Do not drive when drunk. Always respect the right of way and the law.”

The Khmer New Year celebrations highlighted both Cambodia’s tourism recovery and its ongoing struggle with road safety. While fewer accidents were reported this year, the toll of 17 deaths serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on the country’s roads.

-2026-04-19