Bangkok: The Road Safety Center has reported a grim statistic of 86 fatalities from road accidents during the New Year holiday period. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Road Safety Center (RSC) highlighted that there were 469 cumulative traffic accidents. Motorcycles were the predominant type of vehicle involved in these incidents, with speeding and drunk driving identified as the primary causes.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the DDPM, provided a detailed breakdown of the road accident statistics during the New Year Festival 2026. On December 31, 2025, which marked the second day of the "Safe Driving, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents" campaign, 271 accidents were reported. Phetchaburi had the highest number of accidents, while Nakhon Ratchasima and Suphan Buri reported the highest fatalities.
The leading causes of these accidents were speeding, accounting for 40.96%, and drunk driving, contributing to 27.31%. Motorcycles were involved in 74.44% of the accidents, with the peak accident time between 6:01 PM and 9:00 PM. The age group most affected was 40-49, with 17.46% of injuries and fatalities.
During the campaign period from December 30-31, 2025, the cumulative figures reached 469 accidents, 452 injuries, and 86 fatalities. Despite these alarming numbers, 36 provinces reported zero fatalities. However, provinces such as Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pathum Thani, and Suphan Buri had the highest number of fatalities.
The Road Safety Center has taken measures to manage the high traffic volume due to tourism and religious activities. They have coordinated with local agencies to ensure safety and facilitate travel. Officials are enforcing traffic laws, particularly on minor routes often used as shortcuts, and monitoring risky driving behaviors.
Community checkpoints have been set up to deter reckless driving, especially for motorcyclists. Emphasis is placed on wearing helmets and avoiding dangerous driving practices. Measures are also in place for quick accident response and public awareness of traffic flow management.
As the holiday period concludes, many are expected to return home, particularly from hubs like Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Sawan. The public is advised to prepare for travel, avoid driving when fatigued, and use designated rest points if tired.
The public can report accidents via the 24-hour hotline 1784 or the Line account 'DDPM Incident Reporting 1784'. Vigilance is urged to prevent accidents, ensuring a safe start to 2026.