The recent conclusion of Thailand’s Songkran Festival was marked by a tragic number of accidents and incidents, overshadowing the celebrations. According to Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob, the six-day festival resulted in 243 fatalities and 1,837 injuries due to traffic accidents. A total of 1,811 accidents were recorded, with 84.9% involving motorcycles. Chiang Rai reported the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with 71 and 15 respectively.
Speeding, drink-driving, and reckless lane-switching were the leading causes of accidents. Drink-driving was also the most common traffic violation, with 5,786 cases reported, mostly in Bangkok. Despite the high number of incidents, nine provinces reported no fatalities. Phuket’s safety campaign reported no fatalities, although 39 people were hospitalized due to injuries during the period.
In addition to the traffic accidents, other incidents were reported during the festival. In Phitsanulok, there were reports of violence, while in Bangkok, two foreigners faced legal action for public indecency. A petrol station water splash dispute sparked social media controversy, and a Chinese duo fled after stealing jewelry worth over 28,000 USD. Female police officers also intervened to prevent an attempted abduction by a drunken foreigner.
The incidents during the Songkran Festival highlight the challenges of maintaining safety and order during such a large and festive event. It is crucial for authorities to enforce traffic laws and regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all participants.