BANGKOK, Thailand – The Road Safety Center for Songkran 2026 has instructed provincial authorities to strictly enforce laws on April 13, National Songkran Day. The center is deploying local resources to prevent risky road behaviors and unsafe water activities, and to ensure rapid emergency response for accident victims.
Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport and chairman of the daily briefing Phadungsak Sarujikamjornwatana reported 515 road accidents during the first three days of the 2026 Songkran safety campaign (April 10–12).
With today marking the peak of water festivities, the center has coordinated with provincial governments and the BMA to enforce laws near celebration sites and tourist attractions. Directives include a total ban on selling alcohol to individuals under 20. If underage drunk driving leads to injury or death, authorities will expand investigations to prosecute retailers, suppliers, and parents under relevant laws. Community and Family Checkpoints are being reinforced to intercept risky drivers, with a focus on proactive warnings to prevent accidents.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Saharat Wongsakulwiwat noted that most accidents in the past three days resulted from risky behaviors by drivers and pedestrians. He urged the public to avoid high-risk activities, such as splashing water at motorcycles, playing in the road, or standing in the back of moving pickup trucks. Provinces have also been instructed to keep routes clear for ambulances and emergency vehicles to ensure a timely emergency response.
Victims or witnesses can report emergencies 24 hours a day via the 1784 hotline or the “@1784DDPM” Line account. (NNT)
