The Road Safety Centre has failed to meet the target to cut the number of road accident victims during the Songkran holidays as this year's death toll was higher than last year's.
A total of 320 people were killed in road accidents during the seven-day road safety campaign from April 11 to 17, 49 more than last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said.
"Although the number of victims is higher than the previous year, the number of accidents was less," said Mr Yongyuth, who presided over the closing ceremony of the Road Safety Centre yesterday.
The top cause of road accidents was drink-driving, which was responsible for almost 40% of 3,129 accidents, followed by speeding, he said.
Most accidents (82%) involved motorcycles, followed by pickup trucks (10%).
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said several shops had violated alcohol control laws during the Songkran holidays by selling alcoholic beverages at petrol stations and during banned hours.
Almost half of 8,063 shops inspected by public health officials on April 11 and 13 were found to have sold alcoholic beverages at prohibited hours, Mr Witthaya said. Under the 2008 Alcohol Control Act, shops are allowed to sell alcoholic drinks from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight only.