BANGKOK, Thailand – The first five days of the New Year holiday period saw 207 lives lost and 1,141 people injured in a total of 1,185 traffic accidents nationwide, according to figures released by authorities on Sunday.

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Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat reported that the data, collected from December 30 to January 3, reflects persistent road safety challenges during one of the country’s busiest travel seasons. Speeding remained the leading cause of accidents, accounting for 33 percent of incidents, followed by unsafe lane cutting or overtaking at 22 percent. Motorcycles were involved in nearly three out of every four crashes.

Provincial statistics revealed stark disparities, with Phuket recording the highest number of accidents (47) and injuries (51). Bangkok reported the highest death toll with 18 fatalities. Only nine of Thailand’s 76 provinces reported no road deaths during the five-day monitoring period.

In Thailand during the first five days of a seven-day holiday, there were a staggering 1,185 road accidents, resulting in 207 fatalities and 1,141 injuries. pic.twitter.com/n6utkhm1d1

— Personal Thailand (@PersonalThai) January 4, 2026

As return travel peaked on Sunday, with many residents journeying back to Bangkok and other economic hubs, authorities reiterated calls for vigilance and responsible driving. The director-general of the Probation Department, Piya Raksakul, disclosed that from December 30 to January 3, a total of 2,957 individuals were placed on probation for drunk driving, with an additional 160 penalized for driving under the influence of drugs, four for reckless driving, and two for speeding.

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The figures underscore the ongoing struggle to reduce road casualties during holiday periods, despite repeated public campaigns and heightened law enforcement. Officials continue to urge motorists to adhere to speed limits, avoid alcohol before driving, and exercise caution—particularly on motorcycles, which remain disproportionately involved in serious accidents.

-Thailand News (TN)