Thailand’s roads turned deadly once again during the Songkran festival, with Sunday alone seeing 39 fatalities and 299 injuries from 296 accidents across the country. While officials note these figures represent a 20% decrease from last year’s second-day toll, the grim statistics underscore the persistent dangers of Thailand’s annual holiday exodus.

27 killed in road accidents on the first day of Songkran holidays

The southern region emerged as this year’s unexpected danger zone, with tourist hotspot Phuket recording the highest number of accidents at 15, followed by Chumphon with 14 and Phatthalung with 13 crashes. Northern provinces didn’t escape the carnage, with Pathum Thani, Sa Kaeo and Chiang Rai each reporting three deaths, while Lampang saw 19 injuries – the highest single-province casualty count.

Speed demons and reckless motorcyclists remain the primary culprits behind the bloodshed. Preliminary data shows speeding caused 42% of Sunday’s accidents, with motorcycles involved in a staggering 87% of cases. Drunk driving continued its deadly trend, accounting for 28% of incidents despite repeated warnings from authorities.

💦🥤During this long Songkran holiday, RTA has set up service points nationwide, including in Songkhla Province, where they have collaborated with government agencies to promote safe driving to reduce traffic accidents and distribute drinking water to the publi#RTA#Songkran2025 pic.twitter.com/xu7svxFiC7

— Royal Thai Army (English Version) (@armyspoke_news) April 14, 2025

Transport authorities are bracing for the return wave of travelers, with Transport Co. deploying 500 additional buses and the State Railway adding 12 special trains to handle the post-holiday rush. Airports across the country expect passenger numbers to swell by 20% starting Tuesday as revelers head back to the capital.

Road safety advocates expressed frustration at the predictable annual tragedy. “We see the same patterns year after year – speeding, drunk driving, and a complete disregard for basic safety measures,” said Piyanut Kotsan of the Thailand Road Safety Network. “The minor improvement in numbers offers little comfort to the hundreds of families now planning funerals instead of celebrating the new year.”

The government’s extended monitoring period, running from April 11-21 to account for staggered travel plans, has so far recorded 756 accidents, 752 injuries and 100 deaths in the first three days – all figures showing about a 20% decrease from 2024’s totals. But with four more dangerous days remaining in the traditional “Seven Dangerous Days” period, authorities remain on high alert.

Thailand prepares for a stormy Songkran: Thunderstorms, hail and scorching heat nationwide

As hospitals in accident-prone provinces struggle to handle the influx of casualties, and morgues prepare for the somber task of returning victims to their families, the annual Songkran road safety crisis continues to cast a dark shadow over what should be Thailand’s most joyful celebration.

-Thailand News (TN)