BANGKOK, Thailand – Road safety authorities have imposed stricter nationwide measures as a surge of travelers returns from New Year celebrations, warning that drunk driving will face severe penalties and may invalidate insurance coverage. The Road Safety Centre (RSC) reported 187 road accidents on January 2, 2026, resulting in 185 injuries and 21 fatalities, as traffic volumes swelled on major highways.

Holiday Road Carnage: Speeding and Drunk Driving Claim Dozens in Thailand

The figures were announced at a briefing held by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), highlighting persistent dangers during the holiday travel period. Officials urged motorists to avoid alcohol, excessive speed, and fatigue while on the road.

The New Year road safety campaign, which runs from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026, carries the slogan “Drive Safely, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents.” Cumulative data over the first four days recorded 991 accidents nationwide, causing 956 injuries and 171 deaths.

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Ruththapol Naowarat, who chaired the briefing, stated that speeding remained the leading cause of accidents on January 3, accounting for 35.29% of incidents, followed by drunk driving at 21.39%. Motorcycles were involved in nearly 73% of all crashes, with most occurring on straight sections of roads and highways under the Department of Highways’ jurisdiction.

The most dangerous time period was between 3:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and the highest proportion of casualties were among individuals aged 20 to 29. Prachin Buri and Phatthalung provinces each recorded the most accidents on that day with 10, while Phatthalung reported the highest number of injuries at 12. Bueng Kan province had the highest single-day death toll with three fatalities.

A total of 171 people have been killed and 956 injured in road accidents across Thailand during the first four days of the “seven dangerous days” New Year road safety campaign, with speeding and drink-driving the main causes.

The number of fatalities was 6% higher than in the… pic.twitter.com/ks5A2X5k3N

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) January 3, 2026

Over the four-day period, Phuket recorded the highest cumulative number of accidents and injuries, while Bangkok reported the most deaths at 14. Pol Lt Gen Ruththapol emphasized that drunk driving continues to be a major cause of road harm, noting that on January 2 alone, 1,349 out of 1,401 probation cases were related to alcohol-impaired driving.

Repeat offenders within a two-year period now face up to two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to 100,000 baht, and license suspension or revocation. If drunk driving results in injury or death, courts may impose an additional half of the prescribed penalty.

Authorities also cautioned that motorists found over the legal alcohol limit may not be covered by insurance, and insurers may seek to recover compensation paid to victims. The Office of Insurance Commission further reported that more than half of the motorcycles involved in recent accidents lacked compulsory insurance.

Thailand Launches National Road Safety Command Centre for New Year 2026

Enhanced checkpoints, driver rest areas, and strict law enforcement will remain in place as return travel peaks over the coming days.

-Thailand News (TN)