CHIANG MAI – The vibrant celebrations of Thailand’s Songkran Water Festival are coming to an end, but for many, the party has moved from the streets to the courtroom. According to recent data from the Department of Probation, the sixth day of the “Seven Days of Danger” road safety campaign saw a significant spike in drunk driving offenses, with Chiang Mai emerging as the province with the highest number of violations.
On April 16, 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul, Director-General of the Department of Probation, shared the latest statistics. The numbers tell a sobering story of the risks taken on Thai roads during the kingdom’s most famous holiday.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A Day of High Risk
The sixth day of the intensive monitoring period (April 15) saw 1,271 new cases enter the probation system. The vast majority of these cases were alcohol-related, highlighting a persistent challenge for road safety officials.
- Drunk Driving: 1,219 cases (95.9%)
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: 51 cases (4.0%)
- Reckless Driving: 1 case (0.1%)
These figures reflect a nationwide effort to crack down on dangerous behavior as millions of people travel across the country to visit family and celebrate the Thai New Year.
The National “Leaderboard” of Offenses
While the entire country was under strict surveillance, certain provinces recorded much higher levels of lawbreaking than others. For the sixth consecutive day, northern Thailand’s tourism hub took the top spot.
Top 3 Provinces for Drunk Driving (April 15):
- Chiang Mai: 680 cases
- Samut Prakan: 433 cases
- Nonthaburi: 335 cases
The high volume in Chiang Mai is often attributed to its status as a primary destination for both local and international tourists during Songkran, leading to higher traffic density and more social gatherings where alcohol is served.
Cumulative Statistics: The Six-Day Toll
Looking at the broader picture, the statistics for the first six days of the festival (April 10–15) show that the Department of Probation has processed over 5,000 cases.
| Offense Type | Number of Cases | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Drunk Driving | 4,945 | 94.51% |
| Driving Under the Influence (Drugs) | 281 | 5.37% |
| Reckless Driving | 4 | 0.08% |
| Speeding | 2 | 0.04% |
| Total | 5,232 | 100% |
These numbers represent a massive logistical undertaking for the Thai legal system, as each offender must be integrated into the probation process.
Stricter Enforcement and “Drunk Driving, Strict Arrests”
The Thai government’s slogan for this year’s campaign, “Drive Safely, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents,” was backed by a policy of “Drunk Driving, Strict Arrests.” Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya emphasized that the Department of Probation is working closely with various agencies to ensure those returning to Bangkok after the holiday do so safely.
The consequences for those caught aren’t just legal; they are social. The Department has initiated several programs to help rehabilitate offenders and give back to the community:
- Behavioral Modification: Mandatory training sessions on traffic laws and the hazards of alcohol.
- Community Service: Over 150 probationers have been assigned to work at public service points and community checkpoints to help deter other risky drivers.
- Screening and Treatment: Probationers identified as having chronic alcohol problems are referred to professional rehabilitation programs.
The surge in cases serves as a reminder of why the Thai government continues to prioritize road safety during major holidays. Speeding and alcohol remain the primary causes of fatal accidents on Thai roads. By strictly enforcing the law and integrating offenders into a rehabilitative system, the Department of Probation aims to reduce repeat offenses and foster a culture of responsible driving.
As the 2026 Songkran festival concludes, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. The goal is not just to reach the end of the holiday, but to ensure that every traveler returns home safely to their families.
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