Over 190 killed in road accidents during Thailand’s Songkran festival

At least 191 people have died in road accidents during the opening days of Songkran in Thailand, authorities said, as the annual celebrations—known for large-scale water fights—coincide with one of the country’s most dangerous travel periods.

The week-long festival, marking the Thai New Year, draws large crowds of residents and tourists to major destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. While widely celebrated for its lively street gatherings, officials warn that the holiday period sees a sharp rise in traffic accidents, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Government figures show that in the first 72 hours of this year’s festival, 951 road accidents and 911 injuries were recorded alongside the 191 fatalities. On the first day alone, 51 people were killed in traffic incidents.

Authorities say speeding was the leading cause of deadly crashes, accounting for just under 42 percent of fatalities, followed by drink-driving at 27 percent. Failure to wear helmets and the widespread use of motorcycles—often involved in a large share of accidents—were also identified as major contributing factors.

According to the Road Accident Victims Protection Company, Thailand averages around 38 road deaths per day over the course of a year. However, fatalities typically surge during Songkran, a period often referred to locally as the “seven dangerous days.”

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that the highest number of accidents occurred between 3:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., highlighting peak risk hours during the celebrations.

Officials continue to urge caution among travelers and festivalgoers as the holiday period progresses, warning that risky driving behavior remains a major threat to public safety.

By Sabina Mammadli