Thailand’s road death toll climbed significantly on the second day of the Songkran “seven dangerous days” campaign, with the Road Safety Operation Center (RSOC) reporting 50 fatalities on Saturday, April 11. The figure brought the cumulative death toll for the first two days to 71.
According to the centre’s report released on April 12, there were 208 accidents and 185 injuries recorded on April 11 alone.
The RSOC said the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima and Phitsanulok reported the highest number of fatalities on Saturday, with three deaths each.
Over the two-day period from April 10 to 11, a total of 344 accidents, 317 injuries and 71 deaths were recorded nationwide.
Nan reported the highest number of accidents overall at 17 cases. It also recorded the highest number of injuries, alongside Lampang, with 17 each.
Prachin Buri and Phitsanulok had the highest cumulative death tolls, with four fatalities each, while 39 provinces reported no deaths.
Speeding continued to be the leading cause of road accidents, accounting for 45.71% of cases, followed by drink-driving at 24.76%. Motorcycles were involved in 61% of all incidents.
Most accidents occurred on straight stretches of road, with nearly half taking place on highways managed by the Department of Highways.
People aged 20 to 29 were the most affected group, making up 22.88% of casualties. The highest number of accidents occurred between 9:01am and noon.
The RSOC said many travellers had already reached their destinations, while others remained on the roads or were visiting tourist areas. Water celebrations had also begun in some locations.
Authorities have instructed provincial administrations and Bangkok officials to step up safety measures in water-play zones, install warning signage, strictly enforce traffic laws, and crack down on risky behaviour.
Measures also include banning alcohol sales to individuals under 20 and using community checkpoints to prevent unsafe drivers from leaving local areas.
Songkran is one of Thailand’s largest annual travel periods, as workers and students return to their hometowns to celebrate the traditional New Year with their families.
Although fuel prices rose sharply ahead of the holiday — raising concerns over travel costs and spending — the volume of travel has remained high.
The Transport Ministry estimates that 10.65 million vehicles will enter and exit Bangkok via major highways and motorways between April 10 and 19.
Heavy outbound traffic has already been reported on routes heading north and northeast from the capital, as well as on southbound corridors, as the holiday exodus continues.
