BANGKOK, 13 April 2012 – A few days after the official campaign on safe Songkran holidays kicked off, road accidents and fatalities have officially been reported from across the country.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Chamroon Tangpaisalkit reported, on behalf of the Road Safety Directing Center, that, on April 11th, which was the first day of this year’s safe Songkran campaign, 343 accidents have been recorded on Thai streets.
On this same period, 30 people have lost their lives while 375 others have been injured while traveling.
All data has been compiled by the Road Safety Directing Center for the 2012 Songkran Festival, which is under the supervision of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
The government has made April 11th to 17th the official campaign period for the ‘Zero’ death – Safe Songkran Holiday, during which road accidents and fatalities usually soar.
Mr. Chamroon said that the number-one cause of accidents remained drunk-driving, with speeding also blamed for death and injuries toll.
For this holiday, more than 2,400 checkpoints, manned by some 67,303 officers, have been set up on highways and local streets throughout Thailand.
So far, there remain 16 provinces that have recorded no accident, including Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Chachoengsao, Chaiyaphum, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Mae Hong Son, Yasothon, Yala, Loei, Samut Prakan, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu and Amnat Charoen.
