Bangkok: The Road Safety Center announced that during the 7 dangerous days of Songkran, there were 211 accidents, 201 injuries, and 27 deaths. Bangkok led with 5 fatalities, primarily due to speeding. Authorities urged the deployment of police in event areas and at gas stations to conduct alcohol checks and enforce immediate suspensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, disclosed at the first meeting of the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center that the Songkran Festival 2025 saw 211 accidents, a reduction of 13.52% from last year. Mukdahan Province experienced the highest number of accidents with 11, followed by Suphan Buri with 9. A total of 201 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries, marking a 19.92% decrease from the previous year.
Mukdahan Province also reported the highest number of injuries with 12, while Phang Nga and Suphan Buri Provinces each recorded 9 injuries. Fatalities totaled 27, a 27.03% reduction from last year, with Bangkok accounting for the highest number at 5. Speeding was the leading cause of accidents, resulting in 86 incidents, followed by close-cutting and drunk driving.
Motorcycles were involved in the majority of accidents with 179 vehicles, followed by pickup trucks and sedans. Fatalities occurred at various stages, with 12 at the scene, 2 en route to the hospital, and 13 at the hospital. Speeding accounted for 16 deaths, while risky behaviors like riding motorcycles without helmets contributed significantly.
Community checkpoints recorded 1,237 cases of drunk driving, with Khon Kaen leading in operations. Pattani had the highest number of seatbelt violations, and Tak Province reported the most helmet infractions. Vehicle safety violations numbered 922, with Ubon Ratchathani leading. Mobile phone use while driving was noted in 586 cases, primarily in Udon Thani.
Probation statistics on April 11 included 326 cases, with 9 individuals ordered to wear EM bracelets. Drunk driving under the Land Traffic Act accounted for 276 cases, and 47 cases involved driving under other influences. Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Kamphaeng Phet reported the highest incidents of drunk driving.
Dr. Opas urged police to enhance checkpoint effectiveness by focusing on behavior observation. The Royal Thai Police emphasized caution and increased vigilance, using data to adapt strategies. Additionally, medication-induced drowsiness was highlighted as a concern, urging drivers to rest if needed.
Pol. Gen. Kraibhun Trawadsong, deputy national police chief, instructed police to monitor event sites, ensuring organizers prevent intoxicated attendees from driving. Event organizers are expected to cooperate in monitoring and managing attendees' behavior to minimize accidents. Police presence at gas stations was also emphasized to identify and manage intoxicated individuals before they drive.