Despite a large police
presence, 320 people were killed during the Songkran festivities, April
11-19.
Thailand’s death toll from road accidents nationwide
during the traditional week-long Songkran new year reached 320 with the
number of injuries at 3,320 persons, according to the Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation Department.
During seven days of the Songkran holiday from April
11-17, 320 deaths were reported, rising by 49 persons compared to the same
period last year, Deputy Prime Minister/Interior Minister Yongyuth Vichaidit
told a news briefing on Wednesday in his capacity as director of the Road
Safety Centre.
There were 3,129 accidents in total over the first 7
days.
There were, however, an additional 36 accidents locally
during the final two days of the celebration, April 18 & 19, mostly
involving motorcycles. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded during this
time.
The deputy premier said that the northernmost province of
Chiang Rai recorded the highest number of accidents at 125 and the highest
number of casualties at 124.
Meanwhile, the southern province of Surat Thani had the
highest death tally at 13 persons.
However, six provinces, including Nakhon Phanom, Trat,
Trang, Pattani, Ranong and Satun, recorded no deaths from road accidents.
The major cause of accidents was attributed to drunken
driving, followed by speeding, Yongyuth explained.
He said that the road safety centre would compile the
7-day road accident statistics and provide suggestions to report to the
Cabinet later and coordinate with concerned agencies to come up with
measures and plans, aiming to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to
zero.
In an attempt to cut the number of traffic accidents and
casualties to the lowest levels possible, the government launched its
campaign during the “Seven Dangerous Days” beginning April 11 through 17 to
raise awareness among motorists to drive more carefully during Thailand’s
traditional new year. (MCOT)
