Thailand–
Thailand’s nationwide campaign to prevent and reduce road accidents during the New Year Festival 2026 has begun. The Royal Thai Police, announced that the first day (December 30th) of the campaign recorded fewer accidents, injuries, and fatalities compared to the same period last year.
Authorities reported 198 road accidents, marking a 38.13% decrease from the previous year’s opening day of the campaign. The accidents resulted in 29 deaths (down 51.67%) and 190 injuries (down 38.71%).
- Chiang Rai and Phuket recorded the highest number of accidents, with 11 cases each.
- Phuket also reported the highest number of injuries, at 12 people.
- Bangkok had the highest fatalities, with three deaths.
Speeding remained the leading cause of accidents, accounting for 83 cases, followed by drunk driving (40 cases) and sudden lane cutting (37 cases).
Risky behaviors among drivers and riders included:
- Not wearing helmets: 122 cases
- Speeding: 79 cases
- Drunk driving: 35 cases
- Sudden lane cutting: 34 cases
Vehicles Involved
Motorcycles continued to dominate accident statistics, with 192 cases, representing 71.79% of all incidents. Pickup trucks were involved in 39 cases, while private cars accounted for 19.
Fatality Breakdown
Of the 29 fatalities:
- 17 died at the scene
- 11 died in hospital
- 1 died en route to hospital
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
