January 2, 2009 10:11 a.m. EST

Siddique Islam - AHN Correspondent Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - At least 226 people were killed and 2,329 others were injured in Thailand over the New Year holiday, the interior ministry said on Friday.

The number of deaths from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 was up more than 20 percent in 2007 while accidents were up 18 percent, according to the road safety center under the ministry.

On the first day of the New Year alone, 83 people were killed in 851 accidents, the center said, with most dying in motorcycle crashes.

In addition, 83 people died and 909 were injured from road accidents nationwide on the third day of the 'Seven Dangerous Days of New Year' between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5, the Ministry of Public Health reported.

Many of the cases were drunk driving cases, the ministry added.

Why am I not surprised?

Sad to say, but it's the same every year!

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