Songkran Road Death Toll Hits 75 on Day Three of the "Seven Dangerous Days"

BANGKOK – Thailand’s roads are always a major topic of conversation during April. As millions of people head home for the Songkran festival, the “Seven Dangerous Days” campaign becomes a focal point for national safety.

According to the latest reports from the Road Safety Command Centre, there is a bit of a “good news, bad news” situation unfolding this year. While the total number of accidents across the country has seen a significant drop, specific areas like Bangkok and Phitsanulok are still struggling with high numbers of crashes and fatalities.

If you are planning to hit the road during the remainder of the holiday, here is everything you need to know about the current traffic situation and how to stay safe.

The Numbers: A Downward Trend Nationwide

For those who follow road safety statistics, the early data for this year’s Songkran period shows some encouraging progress. During the first three days of the festival, there was a noticeable decline in road incidents compared to the same period last year.

Accidents: Down by 30%
Fatalities: Down by 18%
Injuries: Down by 31%

Since April 10, the command center has recorded 535 road accidents nationwide. These incidents have resulted in 75 lives lost and 488 injuries. While any loss of life is a tragedy, the double-digit percentage drops suggest that increased police presence and public awareness campaigns might be making an impact.

Bangkok and Phitsanulok: The Hotspots

Despite the overall decline, the burden is not shared equally across the provinces. Thai PBS World reports that Bangkok and Phitsanulok currently lead the country in two grim categories.

Bangkok has recorded the highest number of accidents so far, with 33 reported cases. This isn’t entirely surprising given the sheer volume of traffic moving in and out of the capital, but it serves as a reminder for city drivers to remain vigilant even on familiar streets.

Phitsanulok, on the other hand, has recorded the highest death toll in the country, with 5 fatalities reported in just the first few days. Northern routes often see heavy congestion and high speeds, which can lead to more severe outcomes when accidents occur.

What is Causing These Crashes?

The data highlights a very clear culprit for the majority of these incidents: speeding. High-speed driving contributed to a staggering 63% of all accidents recorded during this period.

Other major factors include:

Drunk Driving: Despite strict “no drink-driving” campaigns, alcohol remains a top cause of crashes.
Motorcycles: As usual, motorcycles are involved in the vast majority of incidents—often exceeding 80% in previous years’ totals.
Sudden Lane Changes: Aggressive driving on busy highways continues to be a high-risk behavior.

Interestingly, public transport has remained remarkably safe. Out of hundreds of accidents, only three involved public transport vehicles, and none resulted in casualties. With about 7.8 million people choosing trains, buses, or vans for their holiday travel, public transit is proving to be the safest way to get home.

Tips for a Safer Journey During Songkran

If you are still traveling or preparing for the return trip to the city, safety experts recommend a few simple steps to protect yourself and your family:

Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your tires, brakes, and lights are in good condition before a long trip.
Take Breaks: Driver fatigue is a silent killer. Stop every two hours to stretch and rest.
Watch the Speed: Stick to the limit. Most accidents this year are linked directly to driving too fast.
Wear Your Gear: Whether it’s a seatbelt or a helmet, these “basics” are the difference between a minor scare and a fatal injury.

As the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation continues to monitor the “Seven Dangerous Days,” the goal remains a 5% reduction in total casualties. While the start of the week looks promising, the heavy return traffic expected over the next few days will be the true test of Thailand’s road safety measures.