Thailand's Songkran Festival Sees 1,108 Accidents and 216 Deaths in First 6 Days, a 6.5% Decrease Year-on-Year
According to the Bangkok Post, Thai officials reported alarming traffic accident data for the first 6 days (April 10-15) of the "Seven Dangerous Days" of the 2026 Songkran Festival (Water Festival): a total of 1,108 accidents nationwide, resulting in 216 deaths and 1,073 injuries. While the death toll is down 6.5% compared to the same period in 2025 (231 deaths), the scale of casualties remains far above normal levels, with an average of over 36 deaths per day.
April 15th, the peak of the return travel day, saw 156 accidents, resulting in 23 deaths and 161 injuries, the highest figures during the 6-day return phase.
Phuket province had the highest number of accidents (47) and injuries (49) nationwide; Bangkok recorded the most deaths (19), making it one of the most dangerous cities for traffic during the festival.
Speeding and drunk driving were the two main causes of the high number of accidents, with speeding being the primary factor and drunk driving second. Motorcycle-related accidents accounted for a high 67.8%, and the lack of helmets among many drivers and passengers further aggravated the consequences.
Young people aged 20-29, with weak safety awareness and impulsive driving, were the group with the highest proportion of casualties. The period between 6:01 PM and 9:00 PM was the peak time for accidents, with poor lighting combined with the risk of driving after drinking significantly increasing the danger.
Despite the Thai government's proactive safety campaigns and increased checkpoints to crack down on traffic violations, the surge in returning traffic and festive drinking contributed to this national celebration becoming a "deadly week."