Thailand: Road safety campaign during Songkran celebrations

Event

A television road safety campaign is currently being aired in Thailand ahead of the Songkran (new year) holiday, during which period the country usually sees a spike in road deaths with many people exiting cities to visit family in the countryside. Dubbed the "Seven Deadly Days," the days before, during, and after the Songkran holiday see accident rates soar, with drunk driving accounting for many crashes. This year celebrations will be held April 13-15, with the seven-day period beginning on Wednesday, April 11, and running through April 17. 

Context

According to the World Health Organization, Thailand is the world's deadliest country for fatalities on motorcycles, with an average of 5500 motorcyclist deaths annually. Many accidents are due to poor vehicle and driver safety standards. There has been little improvement despite safety campaigns over the years.

Advice

As a reminder, foreign nationals wishing to drive a car or motorcycle in Thailand must be in possession of a Thai or International driver's license. Seek local advice if you are in any doubt about the safety of your transportation provider. Helmets must be worn on motorcycles.