Police have fully integrated efforts across all sectors to manage traffic nationwide, emphasizing the message "Don't Drink and Drive." On the first day, 2,617 drunk driving offenders and 15,994 cases of not wearing helmets were recorded.
On 11 April 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Center for Road Accident Prevention and Reduction during the 2026 Songkran Festival, along with the Director of the Traffic Management Center, and Pol. Gen. Somprasong Yenthuam, Special Expert of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Traffic Management Center, reported that today marks the first day of the long Songkran holiday. Many people are traveling back to their hometowns and for tourism, resulting in increased traffic congestion on several routes.
Authorities have ordered traffic police and highway officers to expedite traffic flow on congested routes, especially at bottlenecks and major roads with vehicle accumulation. They have also opened additional reversible lanes as appropriate to traffic conditions at different times to enhance travel efficiency and reduce travel time. Forces have been mobilized to assist and facilitate safe travel for the public throughout their journeys.
Furthermore, strict enforcement of traffic laws is emphasized alongside facilitating travel, focusing primarily on preventing accidents caused by risky behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding beyond legal limits, not wearing helmets, and not fastening seat belts.
On 10 April 2026 GMT+7, authorities prosecuted 2,617 cases of drunk driving, including 26 repeat offenders who will face court charges with increased penalties as prescribed by law. Additionally, enforcement statistics for the top 10 major offenses (known as the "10 Bitter Flavors") totaled 67,803 cases. The top three offenses were: not wearing helmets (15,994 cases), speeding (13,450 cases), and not fastening seat belts (3,809 cases).
These statistics highlight the urgent need to collectively reduce risky behaviors and intensify road safety measures, especially in Bangkok, where reduced traffic volume has led to higher driving speeds. The public is urged to exercise increased caution and strictly comply with traffic laws.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Jintakarnon, Education Commander and Head of the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Task Force, stated that the Traffic Management Center of the Royal Thai Police requests road users to plan trips in advance, ensure vehicles are in proper condition, drive cautiously, obey traffic laws, and show consideration to fellow travelers. This is to ensure personal and loved ones' safety so that the Songkran travel period is safe and people can happily reunite with their families.
For inquiries about routes, reporting incidents, or requesting assistance, the public can contact the Traffic Police hotline at 1197, Highway Police hotline at 1193, or the Royal Thai Police hotlines at 191 and 1599, available 24 hours a day.