59 killed in road accidents during first two days of Songkran in Thailand

By Hoang Vu April 13, 2025 | 11:09 pm PT

Revelers carry water guns as they celebrate the Songkran holiday, which marks the Thai New Year, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13, 2025. Photo by Reuters

At least 59 people died and 458 others were injured in road accidents during the first two days of Songkran, one of Thailand's biggest holidays, which began on April 11.

There were 460 accidents on Friday and Saturday, with speeding and drunk driving being the primary causes, according to Nation Thailand, citing the Road Safety Center.

The majority of victims were in the 20-29 age group.

While Bangkok's roads were relatively empty due to mass outbound travel for the holidays, the capital still recorded the highest number of fatalities with nine deaths over the first two days, Thai PBS reported.

Songkran, a popular water-fighting festival that attracts tourists from around the world, typically lasts for nearly a week.

Despite its popularity, Songkran has been referred to as the "seven dangerous days" by authorities for over a decade to highlight the heightened road safety risks during the celebration.

Last year, 287 people were killed in 2,044 road accidents during the week-long holiday. The death toll had been 264 in 2023.