Every year, we see a spike in illnesses and road accidents during Songkran.
Here are key emergency contacts you should know during this period:

Table of Contents

1669 – Emergency medical services (ambulance) | Songkran 2026
191 – Police
1155 – Tourist Police (English-speaking support)
199 – Fire department
1543 – Highway police (for road accidents outside cities)

Every year, millions of tourists come to Thailand expecting fun, water fights, and unforgettable memories during Songkran.

But behind the celebration, there’s a reality most people don’t talk about.

Songkran is also known as the “7 dangerous days” in Thailand.

In 2025 alone:

253 people died
1,495 people were injured
1,538 road accidents were recorded nationwide

That’s not a small number. That’s a serious warning.

If you don’t understand the risks, you could easily become part of these statistics.

Why Songkran Is So Dangerous-Songkran 2026

1. Road Accidents Explode During Songkran

During the festival, roads become extremely dangerous.

In just the first 4 days of Songkran 2025:

138 people died
1,002 people were injured

And by the end of the festival:

Deaths reached 253
Injuries nearly 1,500

The main causes:

Drunk driving
Speeding
Wet and slippery roads
Massive traffic movement

Even worse:

Motorcycles are involved in over 80% of accidents – Songkran 2026

2. Alcohol + Driving = Deadly Combination

Songkran is heavily associated with drinking.

But this becomes deadly when mixed with:

Driving motorbikes
Riding without helmets
Night travel

Authorities confirm that:

Drunk driving is one of the top causes of fatal crashes

3. Water Makes Roads Extremely Slippery

This is something tourists underestimate.

Water fights happen everywhere:

Highways
Small streets
Intersections

Result:

Motorbikes lose control
Cars brake suddenly
Visibility drops

Where Most Accidents Happen – Songkran 2026

Certain locations are more dangerous than others:

Bangkok (highest fatalities in some reports)
Chiang Mai (heavy celebrations)
Phuket / Patong (tourist-heavy chaos)
Rural highways (high-speed crashes)

Even in Bangkok alone:

Fatalities still occur despite fewer accidents

Real Risks Tourists Face (Not Just Accidents)

1. Theft During Water Fights -Songkran 2026

Crowds + water = perfect conditions for theft

Common situations:

Phones stolen from pockets
Bags opened in crowds
Wallets lost during chaos

Especially in:

Khao San Road
Patong Beach
Festival hotspots

2. Motorbike Accidents (Biggest Killer)

This is the #1 danger for tourists

Why?

Cheap rentals
No experience
No helmet
Wet roads

Combine that with alcohol = disaster

3. Police Checkpoints & Fines – Songkran 2026

During Songkran:

Police increase checkpoints
Heavy fines for:
- No license
- Drunk driving
- No helmet

Many tourists don’t expect this

4. Injuries from Slipping & Fighting

Not all injuries come from vehicles.

People get hurt from:

Slipping on wet roads
Being hit by buckets or water guns
Falling during crowded events

What Tourists ALWAYS Do Wrong

This is where most people mess up:

Bringing phones without protection

Result: stolen or destroyed

Riding motorbikes during water fights

Result: accidents

Drinking and driving

Result: arrests or worse

Ignoring local rules

Result: fines

The Truth About “7 Dangerous Days”

Songkran is not just a party.

It’s officially known as:

Thailand’s most dangerous travel period

Historically:

Death rates double compared to normal days

This happens every year.

How to Stay Safe During Songkran 2026

1. Avoid Driving if Possible

Use taxis or ride apps
Don’t rent motorbikes unless experienced

2. Protect Your Belongings

Waterproof phone case
No valuables in pockets

3. Don’t Drink and Drive

Simple rule:

If you drink, don’t drive

4. Stay Alert in Crowds

Watch your pockets
Avoid aggressive groups

5. Choose Safer Locations

Avoid overcrowded hotspots at night
Stay in controlled event areas

Is Songkran Still Worth It?

Yes — but only if you understand the risks.

Millions of people enjoy Songkran safely every year.

The difference is simple:

Smart tourists prepare.

Careless tourists become statistics.

Final Warning for 2026

Songkran is one of the best festivals in the world.

But it’s also one of the most dangerous.

With:

253 deaths
1,495 injuries
Thousands of accidents in just one week

The numbers speak for themselves.

In addition, hospitals, especially public hospitals, are very busy during this period due to the high number of road accidents. So, you can use Air Doctor if you want to talk to an English-speaking doctor online without getting wet.