Songkran Holiday Deaths Reach 71 in Just Two Days in Thailand

Last updated: April 13, 2026 6:47 am

Jeff Tomas - Freelance Journalist

4 months ago

BANGKOK – The festive spirit of Thailand’s traditional Songkran New Year has been dampened by a grim start on the nation’s highways. As the Songkran holiday begins, authorities are reporting a sharp increase in road casualties, with 71 people losing their lives in just the first 48 hours of the “Seven Dangerous Days” safety campaign.

According to the latest data from the Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC), the second day of travel proved particularly deadly. On Saturday alone, 50 fatalities were recorded nationwide, more than doubling the death toll from the previous day.

A Breakdown of the Numbers

The statistics released by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) highlight a concerning trend as millions of people travel to their home provinces. During the period of April 10–11, the following figures were reported:

Total Deaths: 71 people
Total Injuries: 317 people
Total Accidents: 344 incidents
Most Dangerous Regions: Prachin Buri and Phitsanulok reported the highest cumulative death tolls, with four fatalities each.
Highest Accident Count: Nan province saw the most frequent crashes, recording 17 accidents over the two days.

Speed and Alcohol Remain Primary Culprits

Despite repeated warnings from the Royal Thai Police and government officials, risky driving behavior continues to drive these tragic statistics. Most accidents occurred on straight stretches of road, often on major highways where higher speeds are common.

Analysis of the accident causes shows:

Speeding: 45.71% of all cases.
Drunk Driving: 24.76% of all cases.
Vehicle Type: Motorcycles remain the most vulnerable, involved in over 60% of all reported crashes.

The age group most affected by these incidents is young adults between 20 and 29 years old, accounting for nearly 23% of all casualties.

Stricter Measures for Water-Celebration Zones

As the official Songkran water splashing begins in earnest, the RSOC has ordered provincial administrations and Bangkok authorities to tighten safety protocols. Specifically, officials are being asked to set up more community checkpoints to prevent unsafe drivers—particularly those under the influence—from leaving their local neighborhoods.

Furthermore, there is a strict ban on alcohol sales to anyone under the age of 20, and police are monitoring “water-play zones” to ensure that the celebrations do not spill onto active roadways, creating further hazards.

Advice for Travelers

For those still on the road or planning to return home later this week, authorities recommend several steps to ensure a safe journey:

Check Your Vehicle: Ensure tires, brakes, and lights are in good working order.
Plan Your Route: Use Google Maps or official Highway Police updates to avoid the heaviest congestion.
Rest Often: Avoid driving while tired, especially during the peak accident window of 9:00 AM to noon.
Obey Local Laws: Wear helmets on motorcycles and seatbelts in cars at all times.

The government continues to offer toll exemptions on several major motorways, including the M7 and M9, until April 16th to help ease traffic flow and reduce the stress of long-distance travel.