Thailand Records 242 Traffic Related Fatalities in Songkran Seven Days of Danger, Dropping Year Over Year

Thailand recorded 242 traffic-related deaths nationwide during the Songkran Seven Days of Danger road safety campaign, which ran from April 10 to 16, 2026, authorities reported this week. The summary, released after the intensive control period, noted 1,242 accidents and 1,200 injuries across the country, with Phuket included in the nationwide data. This year’s fatality count marks a decrease from the 253 deaths reported during Songkran in 2025.

Accident Locations and Provincial Totals

Phrae province registered the highest number of accidents at 48 and the most injuries at 50, while Bangkok reported the largest number of fatalities at 21. Ten provinces, including Phang Nga and Pattani, reported zero traffic deaths during the campaign period.

On April 16, the campaign’s final day, officials documented 123 accidents, 123 injuries, and 17 fatalities. Chiang Rai saw the most accidents that day, Pattani the most injuries, and Nakhon Pathom the most deaths.

Causes, Vehicle Types, and Risk Factors

Authorities identified excessive speed as the leading cause of accidents, accounting for 40.65% of cases, followed by sudden lane changes at 25.20%. Motorcycles were involved in 64.55% of all reported crashes.

Most incidents occurred on straight routes (87.80%), with highways under the Department of Highways and local village or municipal roads representing the highest-risk areas. Peak accident times were between 09:01–12:00 and 15:01–18:00, comprising 16.26% of incidents. Young adults aged 20–29 years made up the largest share of casualties at 22.14%.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/17/thailand-records-242-traffic-related-fatalities-in-songkran-seven-days-of-danger-dropping-year-over-year/