Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has reported a significant decrease in fatalities on the transportation network over the 7-day New Year holiday period of 2026, with a 31% reduction compared to the previous year. Public transportation systems efficiently met the travel needs of the public, ensuring no passengers were stranded. The ministry aims to continue enhancing public safety during holiday seasons.
According to Thai News Agency, the Transportation Safety Operations Center (TSOC) released data for the 2026 New Year's travel period, emphasizing the ministry's integrated efforts across various agencies. These efforts ensured efficient travel services for the public from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026, without leaving any passengers stranded.
The Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) summarized the transportation network data for this period, processed on January 6, 2026. Domestic and international public transportation systems were adequately capable of accommodating the public's travel needs. A total of 18,324,366 people used public transportation, marking a 6.46% decrease from the previous year. Rail transportation saw the highest domestic usage, with 43.53%. International transportation saw a 9.57% decrease, with 1,970,497 people traveling.
Traffic data shows a 5.04% increase in vehicle volume on 12 major highways entering and exiting Bangkok, while expressway travel in Bangkok decreased by 18.39%. Public bus inspections at 222 checkpoints revealed 65 defective buses, with actions taken for repairs or replacements. Personnel inspections showed no cases of alcohol or drug use. Similarly, vessel inspections at ports/piers found 12 defective vessels, with necessary repairs ordered.
Road accident statistics from December 30, 2025, to January 5, 2026, recorded 1,441 accidents, resulting in 166 fatalities and 1,611 injuries. Speeding was the primary cause, and motorcycles were the most involved vehicles. Bangkok, Roi Et, and Nakhon Ratchasima reported the highest fatalities, with Bangkok also having the highest number of accidents. Compared to last year, accidents decreased by 14%, fatalities by 31%, and injuries by 13%.
The national integrated plan's monitoring highlighted that the Department of Highways and Department of Rural Roads met their safety criteria, while the Expressway Authority of Thailand exceeded criteria for accidents and injuries. Public transport buses did not exceed the criteria for fatalities and injuries, and no accidents occurred in air and water transport. Rail transport reported 9 accidents with no fatalities.
For the 2026 New Year festival, the Ministry of Transport enforced a facilitation plan to ensure convenience and safety in travel. The ministry prepared sufficient public transportation systems and implemented strict measures to prevent delays, stranded passengers, price gouging, and passenger abandonment. The Ministry is committed to upgrading transportation networks to enhance public confidence in travel during all festivals.