April 17, 2026
BANGKOK – Thailand recorded 1,108 road accidents, 1,073 injuries and 216 deaths over the first six days of the Songkran travel period (April 10–15, 2026), according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Speaking on Thursday (April 16) at 10.30am, Deputy Interior Minister Jetsada Thaiseth, chairing the Road Safety Operation Centre briefing, said the figures reflected continued risks despite ongoing safety campaigns.
Day six: 23 deaths recorded
For April 15, the sixth day of the campaign, authorities recorded:
- 156 accidents
- 161 injuries
- 23 deaths
Speeding and drink-driving remain leading causes
The main causes of accidents were:
- Speeding: 43.59%
- Drink-driving: 25.64%
- Cutting in / close-range collisions: (from graphic: ~15%)
Motorcycles remained the most involved vehicles, accounting for 67.84% (daily) and 69.43% (cumulative) of accidents.
Highways and evening hours most dangerous
Most accidents occurred:
- On straight roads: 89.74%
- On highways: 46.79%
Peak accident times were:
- 6.01pm – 9.00pm: 17.95% (highest)
- Followed by late afternoon periods
Young adults most affected
The highest number of casualties was among people aged 20–29, accounting for 24.46% of injuries and deaths.
Chiang Rai records highest daily figures
On April 15:
- Most accidents: Chiang Rai (10 cases)
- Most injuries: Chiang Rai (11 people)
- Most deaths: Chiang Rai (3 deaths)
Six-day cumulative figures highlight northern provinces
From the infographic (April 10–15 totals):
- Total accidents: 1,108
- Total injuries: 1,073
- Total deaths: 216
Worst-affected provinces (cumulative):
- Most accidents: Phrae (47 cases)
- Most injuries: Phrae (49 people)
- Most deaths: Bangkok (19 deaths)
Forest roads and local routes also major risk zones
Additional data from the graphic shows accidents occurred on:
- Highways: 41.31%
- Village/local roads: 29.57%
- Rural highways: 13.28%
Authorities stress continued caution
Officials said the figures underline the need for stricter road discipline, particularly during peak travel hours, as PM2.5 and haze conditions in the North may also reduce visibility and increase risks in some areas.