One hundred and sixty-two people died while 1,279 were injured in traffic accidents between April 11 and 14, as holidaymakers begin to make their way back from their Songkran break.
The 1,259 reported traffic accidents was a decline from 1,434 reported in the same four-day period at Songkran last year, when there were 168 deaths and 1,433 injuries.
Nakhon Si Thammarat had the highest number of traffic accidents with 50, as well as injuries at 54. Bangkok and Roi Et reported the highest death toll, with 10 each.
On Sunday alone, 317 traffic accidents resulted in 38 deaths and 311 injuries. On that day, Nan had the most accidents (14) and injuries (16). Nakhon Sawan reported the highest death toll, with 3.
According to Pol Lt Gen Kornchai, assistant national police chief, some people were starting to make their way back to Bangkok and other regional economic hubs, causing traffic to increase on several national highways on Sunday.
Ruangsak Suwaree, director-general of the Probation Department, said that from April 11-14 there were 3,890 cases of traffic violations — 96% of which involved drinking and driving. Bangkok had the most cases of drink-driving at 399, followed by Nonthaburi (227) and Samut Prakan (214).
United Nations figures show that on average, about 55 people die every day due to accidents on Thai roads.
Young men don Ultraman suits yesterday as they celebrate Songkran festivities at Samyan Mitrtown Songkran 2024 in Pathumwan district. VARUTH HIRUNYATHEB