Number of road accidents Thailand 2023, by region

As of October 2023, there were over 87,000 road accidents in Bangkok, followed by nearly 82,000 accidents in the Northeastern region. In that same period, almost 5,000 deaths were caused by local road accidents in the country. Thailand is the leading country in Southeast Asia with the highest number of traffic accident casualties and injuries.

Land of motorcycle accidents

Thailand is best known for having the highest motorcycle ownership rate across Asia. It is not surprising that motorbikes have become the preferred mode of transportation for Thai people since they are affordable and efficient. Since 2013, domestic motorcycle sales in the country have reached over 1.5 million units every year. Thailand is also known for its high rate of motorbike accidents. As of August 2024, over 80 percent of road traffic fatalities in the country involved motorcycles.

Songkran festival: seven dangerous days

The week around Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year celebration in April, is known as the “Seven Dangerous Days”. During this period, thousands of Thais travel upcountry, and heavy traffic, speeding, and inebriation often lead to a spike in road accidents. Although the death rate during the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively low due to the cancellation of festivities throughout the country, the number of deaths caused by road accidents during Songkran in Thailand has increased again in recent years.