The annual Songkran holiday has once again left a trail of tragedy on Thailand’s roads, with speeding and drunk driving claiming 171 lives and injuring 1,208 people during the first five days of the festive period, from April 11-15, the Bangkok Post reported. Despite officials claiming a decrease from last year’s figures, the human cost remains staggering as millions of travelers now begin their dangerous journeys home.

138 Killed in First Four Days of Songkran Holidays

The southern province of Phatthalung recorded the highest number of crashes (44), while Bangkok saw the most fatalities (15) and Lampang province reported the most injuries (47). Interior Deputy Permanent Secretary Kachorn Srichawanothai confirmed the overall toll was lower than 2023, but warned that Wednesday’s mass return to cities still posed significant risks.

Speeding, drunk driving cause most Songkran accidentshttps://t.co/57qZ8VqxwD pic.twitter.com/I6IwlmSnyQ

— MRTV (@mrtvwebportal) April 16, 2025

“Speeding and drunk driving continue to be our biggest killers,” Kachorn stressed, as authorities brace for the final wave of holiday traffic. The dangerous trends persisted despite an apparent shift in travel habits, with Transport Department Inspector-General Chakree Bamrungwong noting a 7% increase in interprovincial bus travel and a surprising 30% surge in train and air passengers this year.

Drunken Driver Plows Into Songkran Crowd in Chachoengsao, Leaving Over 12 Injured

As emergency services remain on high alert, the grim statistics reveal an ongoing national crisis – one that annually transforms Thailand’s most joyful celebration into its deadliest period on the roads. With motorcycles involved in nearly 80% of accidents, safety advocates are again calling for stricter enforcement as the country faces the aftermath of another preventable tragedy.

-Thailand News (TN)