The "7 Dangerous Days" campaign for strict control during the 2026 New Year festival recorded 198 accidents and 29 deaths on the first day, with speeding as the top cause. The most frequent incidents occurred in Chiang Rai and Phuket provinces.,
On 31 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Road Safety Operations Center reported statistics for 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the first day of strict control, noting 198 road accidents, 190 injuries, and 29 fatalities.
The Road Safety Center focused on managing traffic on both main and secondary roads to ensure public safety, alongside strict law enforcement, establishing community checkpoints, and conducting public awareness campaigns on road safety to reduce losses during the New Year festival.
Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and chair of the Road Safety Operations Center's special committee, revealed that the center collaborated with partners to enforce road safety during the 2026 New Year festival under the campaign "Drive Safely, Slow Down, Reduce Accidents." On 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the first day of strict control, there were 198 accidents, 190 injuries, and 29 deaths.
The leading causes of accidents were speeding at 41.92%, drunk driving at 20.20%, and dangerous overtaking at 18.69%. Motorcycles were involved in 71.79% of accidents. The highest risk behavior was not wearing helmets, at 55.71%. Most accidents occurred on straight roads (87.37%), mainly on Department of Highways routes (43.94%), with peak accident times between 18:01 and 21:00 (18.69%). The highest injury and death rates were among people aged 30-39.
Chiang Rai and Phuket provinces had the highest accident numbers, each with 11 incidents. Bangkok had the highest death toll with 3 fatalities, while Phuket recorded the most injuries with 12 people hurt.
Today, most people have returned home, while some remain traveling or celebrating in various areas. The Road Safety Center stressed that all provinces and Bangkok must coordinate to facilitate and ensure public safety, strictly monitoring drivers exhibiting risky behaviors such as speeding, drunk driving, not wearing helmets, and not using seat belts.
Authorities are also checking on passengers still at transport stations to ensure safe travel home. To ease traffic flow inbound and outbound, drone technology is being used to monitor conditions and plan operations. Traffic lanes on main routes are being cleared at multiple points to facilitate movement and reduce accident risks.
In areas prone to frequent accidents, all relevant agencies are surveying risk points and setting measures, including cracking down on 10 main traffic violations (the "10 Bitter Offenses"). Police on site use traffic cones and warning lights to mark service and community checkpoint locations. If median islands or U-turn points are closed, public announcements inform drivers accordingly.
Warning signs and lighting are installed clearly, with police vehicles stationed at risky spots to encourage drivers to reduce speed. Drivers are advised to prepare their vehicles and physical condition, plan safe routes, and maintain calmness to ensure smooth and safe travel during this period.
The Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Teerapat Kachamat, serving as secretary of the Road Safety Operations Center, said the center urged provinces to take proactive measures through local authorities and volunteers conducting "door-to-door" visits to advise high-risk individuals. Community checkpoints deter risky behaviors that could lead to accidents. If offenders ignore warnings, local police take legal action.
Additionally, "rapid response teams" will oversee safety at celebration venues to reduce accidents and assist the public. Local agencies are encouraged to educate the public about speed reduction, the impact of speeding, and legal penalties through all local media channels. Drivers should ensure physical readiness, vehicle maintenance, valid licenses, paid vehicle taxes, and compulsory insurance. Long drives should include rest stops, and drivers must avoid alcohol or sedative medications.
Tonight features celebrations in many areas. Large events should provide public transport to return people home safely. For community or village celebrations, risky individuals should be prevented from driving. Community checkpoints serve as the first line of defense to intercept risks, provide services, and ensure safety. Businesses must not sell alcohol to anyone under 20. If youth cause accidents due to drinking and driving, investigators will pursue legal action against stores, supporters, and guardians.
Finally, the Road Safety Operations Center for the 2026 New Year festival urges the public to travel cautiously, obey traffic laws strictly, and show kindness to fellow travelers. If involved in or witnessing accidents, people can report incidents via the emergency medical system at 1669, iDEMS with video call location, the Department of Land Transport hotline 1584, the Transport Safety Center hotline 1356, the Safety Hotline 1784 available 24/7, or the Disaster Prevention Line at Line ID @1784DDPM for prompt assistance.