CHIANG RAI – Thailand has begun its annual “seven dangerous days” road safety drive for the New Year period. On the first day alone, officials reported 198 crashes, 190 injuries, and 29 fatalities. Speeding and drink-driving were the main causes, with motorbikes involved in most incidents. Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Phuket recorded the highest overall losses.

At the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) on 31 December 2025, Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, chaired a meeting of the road safety task group overseeing the New Year campaign for 2026. Authorities are running the drive under the message “Drive safely, slow down, reduce accidents”.

Figures from 30 December 2025, the first day of stricter controls, showed:

198 accidents
190 people injured
29 deaths

The leading reported causes were speeding (41.92%), drink-driving (20.20%), and dangerous cut-ins at close range (18.69%). Motorcycles accounted for the largest share of crashes at 71.79%.

Officials said the most common high-risk behaviour linked to serious injury and death was not wearing a helmet (55.71%). Most crashes happened on straight roads (87.37%), with many occurring on highways managed by the Department of Highways (43.94%).

The busiest time for accidents was 6.01 pm to 9.00 pm (18.69%). The age group with the highest number of injuries and deaths was 30 to 39.

By province, Chiang Rai and Phuket recorded the most crashes, with 11 incidents each. Bangkok reported the highest number of deaths at three, while Phuket recorded the most injuries at 12.

Chiang Rai, New Year Holiday, seven dangerous days

Tighter checks during the New Year countdown

Pol Gen Samran said most people had already reached their home provinces, though many were still travelling or heading out to celebrations. The Road Safety Operations Centre (RSOC) instructed provinces and Bangkok to step up support for road users and increase enforcement against key risks, including speeding, drink-driving, not wearing helmets, and not using seatbelts.

Authorities were also told to monitor transport terminals and help any stranded travellers return home safely. Traffic management is being tightened on both inbound and outbound routes, including the use of drones to track congestion and help plan deployments. Roadworks on major routes are also being cleared where possible to improve flow and reduce risk.

For areas with repeat crashes, agencies were asked to survey danger spots and set clear measures. Police were also told to enforce the main traffic offences (often grouped as the “10 key offences”), and to improve visibility at checkpoints and community posts using cones and warning lights. Where U-turns or channelised areas are closed, officials should notify drivers clearly with signs and lighting, and place patrol cars at risk points to encourage drivers to slow down.

Pol Gen Samran added that drivers should prepare before travelling by checking their vehicle, resting properly, planning the route, and keeping a calm mindset behind the wheel.

Chiang Rai, New Year Holiday, seven dangerous days

Community measures and rapid-response teams

DDPM Director-General Thiraphet Kachamat, who serves as secretary of the RSOC, said provinces have been instructed to use local networks and volunteers to address risky behaviour. This includes “knock on the door” visits to advise those seen as high-risk, alongside community checkpoints to discourage unsafe driving. If warnings are ignored, local police should take action under the law.

Authorities are also deploying rapid-response teams in areas hosting large celebrations to improve safety and ease traffic pressures. Public communications will focus on slowing down, the harm caused by speeding, and the penalties for breaking traffic laws.

Drivers are being reminded to make sure they are fit to drive, their vehicles are roadworthy, and their documents are in order, including a valid licence, vehicle tax, and compulsory insurance. Long-distance drivers are advised to take breaks at service points and to avoid driving after alcohol or when using drowsy medication.

For major events on New Year’s Eve, organisers are urged to provide public transport options for travel home. In villages and community parties, local leaders are encouraged not to allow high-risk individuals to drive out. Community checkpoints are positioned as the first line of defence to prevent dangerous journeys.

Chiang Rai, New Year Holiday, seven dangerous days

Alcohol sales to under-20s under scrutiny

Thiraphet said authorities will also watch for illegal sales of alcohol to those under 20. If a young person drives drunk and an accident leads to injury or death, officials may expand investigations to include sellers, supporters, and parents under relevant laws.

Emergency contact numbers

The RSOC urged the public to drive carefully, follow traffic laws, and show patience to other road users. Anyone who witnesses or is involved in a crash can seek help via: