Thailand: Nearly 400 road deaths during Songkran festival

Event

The death toll from road accidents during the first six days of the Songkran festival (Thai New Year's national holiday) - April 11-16 - was 378, with 3575 people hospitalized. The seven-day "dangerous period" of the festival ends on Tuesday, April 17. According to authorities, there were a total of 3418 road accidents nationwide April 11-16. On April 16 alone, 49 people were killed in 425 crashes across the country. Nakhon Ratchasima recorded the highest accumulated death toll and Chiang Mai the highest number of injuries.

Context

Speeding is the leading cause of the road fatalities, followed by drunk driving, and most crashes involve motorcycles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand is the world's deadliest country for fatalities on motorcycles (average of 5500 deaths annually).

Advice

Individuals present in Thailand are advised to be extra cautious while traveling by road. In the event of of doubt regarding the safety of your transportation provider, seek local assistance and do not hesitate to select a safer means of transportation.