Seven Deadly Days of Songkran
Thailand’s yearly Songkran festival is known as the “seven dangerous days” to the Road Safety Center (RSC). The seven days began on Friday and will end next Thursday. At this time of year, Thailand experiences its highest rate of road accidents, many caused by drunken drivers.
Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul, also director of the RSC hopes to see a decline in accidents this year. His number one concern is injuries and deaths caused by drunken motorcyclists. Mr. Sahas has ordered police to be vigilant on side streets as well as main roads. He urges the public to cooperate with police to reduce accidents.
Although the government has not set a specific target for reducing accidents, Mr. Sahas is confident there will be fewer deaths than in the past if police perform their jobs efficiently, and drivers are more careful.
Revelers are also encouraged to use buses. To this end, the number of buses traveling upcountry has been increased by 45% in hopes of influencing travelers not to take their cars or motorbikes.
Songkran is Thailand’s biggest holiday when many Thais return home to visit family. It is also noted as a time for drinking and celebration including dowsing one another as well as strangers with water.
Seven Deadly Days of Songkran
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