BANGKOK – As the Songkran holiday kicks off across Thailand, the Royal Thai Police have moved into high gear to ensure public safety. On the very first day of the festival’s road safety campaign, authorities recorded a staggering 2,617 cases of drunk driving nationwide.
With millions of citizens traveling back to their home provinces, the police are emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward risky road behavior.
Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Road Accident Prevention Center, confirmed that traffic volume has increased significantly on all major highways.
Roads leading to the North and Northeast are particularly congested as families head home for the traditional Thai New Year.
To combat the bottleneck issues, highway police have implemented several measures:
- Opening Reversible Lanes: Extra lanes have been opened on high-traffic routes to ease the flow of vehicles.
- Bottleneck Management: Officers are stationed at known traffic “choke points” to prevent long-tail backups.
- Increased Patrols: Mobilized forces are providing roadside assistance and ensuring rapid responses to minor accidents.
While traffic flow is a priority, the primary focus of this year’s enforcement is the prevention of fatal accidents. On April 10, 2026, the first official monitoring day, police processed over 67,000 traffic violations under what is known as the “10 Bitter Flavors” (major traffic offenses).
Of the 2,617 drunk driving arrests, 26 individuals were identified as repeat offenders. These individuals will face significantly harsher penalties in court. Authorities have warned that habitual offenders are a major threat to public safety and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Top Traffic Violations Recorded
Beyond the arrests for driving under the influence, the police released statistics on the most common offenses recorded during the first 24 hours:
- No Helmets: 15,994 cases
- Speeding: 13,450 cases
- No Seat Belts: 3,809 cases
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Jintakarnon, Head of the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Task Force, noted that speeding is becoming a major concern in Bangkok. As the city empties for the holiday, the clearer roads are tempting remaining drivers to exceed speed limits, which often leads to more severe accidents.
Tips for a Safe Songkran Journey
The Royal Thai Police urge all travelers to follow these simple steps to ensure they arrive at their destinations safely:
- Plan Ahead: Check your route for traffic updates and potential closures.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your car or motorcycle is in top condition before starting a long trip.
- Avoid Impairment: Never drive after consuming alcohol or if you are feeling fatigued.
- Compliance: Wear helmets and seat belts at all times, even for short trips.
If you encounter an accident, require roadside assistance, or wish to report a dangerous driver, the following hotlines are available 24 hours a day:
- Traffic Police: 1197
- Highway Police: 1193
- Royal Thai Police: 191 or 1599
As the “Seven Dangerous Days” of Songkran continue, the message from the authorities remains clear: drive with kindness and strictly obey the law so that everyone can enjoy a happy and safe reunion with their families.
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