7 Dangerous Days during the 2026 Songkran Festival. On the fourth day, there were 51 reported deaths. The primary causes of accidents were speeding and drunk driving. Motorcycles were the vehicles most frequently involved in accidents. The Road Safety Center emphasized safety measures during Songkran water festivities and Family Day, and is preparing for the gradual return of people to Bangkok in advance to avoid traffic congestion.
Today (14 Apr 2026) at 10:30 a.m., at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Road Safety Center (RSC) announced road accident statistics for Songkran 2026 on 13 April 2026. There were 237 accidents, 224 injuries, and 51 deaths reported that day. The cumulative total over the first four days of the campaign (10–13 Apr 2026) was 755 accidents, 705 injuries, and 154 deaths. Forty-three provinces reported zero fatalities. The RSC has instructed provinces and Bangkok to strictly enforce laws continuously in water play zones and on Family Day, strictly control alcohol sales to minors, use local mechanisms to deter risky behaviors, and coordinate with all agencies to prepare for the public’s return travel, especially public transport, ensuring readiness of vehicles and drivers for safety across all routes.
Mr. Yotphon Venukoset, Secretary-General of the Vocational Education Commission and chair of the press briefing on the Road Safety Center’s Songkran 2026 campaign, revealed that on 13 Apr 2026, the fourth day of the "Drive Safely, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents" campaign, there were 237 accidents, 224 injuries, and 51 deaths. The leading accident causes were speeding at 41.77% and drunk driving at 27.43%. Motorcycles accounted for 70.93% of accidents. Most occurred on straight roads (75.53%), within subdistrict administrative organization/village roads (36.29%), and the peak accident time was 3:01–6:00 p.m. (20.25%). The highest injury and death rates were among ages 20–29 and 30–39 years (17.82%). Provinces with the most accidents were Chumphon and Chiang Rai (12 each); Chumphon had the highest injuries (13), and Pathum Thani and Loei had the highest deaths (4 each).
Cumulative road accidents during the four-day campaign (10–13 Apr 2026) totaled 755 incidents, with 705 injuries and 154 deaths. Lampang had the highest number of accidents (33) and injuries (34). Bangkok recorded the highest number of deaths (8). Twenty-two provinces reported zero fatalities.
Today is "Family Day," when many people travel to pour water and pay respects to elders, visit temples, and participate in Songkran water festivities in various areas. The RSC has urged all provinces to intensify safety measures at water play zones and tourist sites by strictly enforcing the 10 key legal measures. Authorities are cracking down on risky water play behaviors, such as riding or standing in pickup truck beds, using high-pressure water guns, and selling alcohol at event sites. The RSC encourages use of "community checkpoints" and "family checkpoints" to warn and deter risky behaviors including drunk driving, failure to use safety equipment, and unsafe motorcycle operation. Violators are to be reported to local police for prosecution to prevent at-risk individuals from driving in event areas.
Mr. Theerapat Kachamat, Director-General of DDPM and secretary of the RSC, said that vehicle volumes remain high today due to people going to play Songkran water games and some starting early return trips to Bangkok to avoid tomorrow’s heavy traffic. The RSC has ordered relevant agencies to manage traffic suitably, especially on main roads under construction, by setting appropriate checkpoints and service points to prevent drowsy and rear-end collisions. Provincial transport offices have been reminded to inspect the safety of all public transport vehicles and ensure readiness of vehicles and drivers working consecutive days. Drivers must have zero blood alcohol content, avoid drugs or psychoactive substances, take at least 30-minute breaks every 4 hours, undergo scheduled checkpoint inspections, and passengers are encouraged to observe driver behavior for signs of risk that could cause accidents. Road users are urged to drive attentively and rest immediately or switch drivers if fatigued to ensure travel safety.
Finally, members of the public who experience or witness accidents can report incidents via the 24-hour hotline 1784 or the Line account "DDPM Incident Reporting 1784" by adding Line ID @1784DDPM for prompt coordination of assistance.