264 killed in road accidents during Songkran holidays
18 Apr 2023 10:06pm
Revellers take part in water fights during the Songkran festival at Siam Square in Bangkok, Thailand.
After a three-year hiatus, Thailand is finally unleashing the full-scale celebration of the traditional new year ذ Songkran ذ marking a triumphant return to the festivity after the disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Thailand's Interior ministry today reported a total of 264 people lost their lives in 2,203 road accidents during the "Seven Deadly Days of Songkran”, from April 11 to 17. - Pic: BERNAMA
Thailand's Interior ministry deputy permanent secretary Chotenarin Kerdsom said this year, a total of 2,208 people injured in road accidents during Songkran holidays.
"Bangkok had the highest death toll, with 22 people losing their lives while the most injuries were reported in Nakhon Si Thammarat, which had a total of 70 people injured,” he said at a press conference here today.
Chotenarin said during the seven day campaign the authorities had set up 1,869 checkpoints nationwide.
"During the operation, 279,873 vehicles were inspected, and 39,611 traffic offenders were apprehended including 11,013 found to be driving without a license and 10,530 riding without a helmet,” he said.
Phatthalung and Phang Nga in southern Thailand were free of fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Boontham Lertsukhikasemsuk said speeding and drunk-driving were the main causes of road accident during Songkran.
"The majority of the deaths and injuries were attributed to individuals who were not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle,” he said.- BERNAMA
