Highway fatalities have dropped 17% for the first five of seven deadly days of Songkran, while police have seized a record 5,212 vehicles. From April 12 to 15, the peak of the Songkran festival, many drivers who drank alcohol had their vehicles temporarily impounded by police. Drink driving was found to be a major cause of road fatalities during the festival. Government statistics showed that on April 15 (Saturday), drink driving accounted for 269 of a total of the 600 accidents recorded, followed by speeding with a share of 149. Gen Prawit, who is also the defence minister, wants members of the public to give more weight to safety than to convenience.

Source: Bangkok Post April 16, 2017 22:18 UTC