Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has revealed that rail systems were the most utilized mode of public transportation during the New Year holiday period of 2026, with usage peaking at 43 percent.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Transport provided detailed insights into the transportation networks between December 30, 2025, and January 3, 2026. During this five-day period, both domestic and international public transportation systems were deemed capable of meeting public travel demands. A total of 13,016,679 people used public transportation, marking a decrease of 8.02% compared to the previous year. The rail system emerged as the leading mode of domestic transport. Regionally, air travel was predominant in the Central Region, while rail was most popular in the Southern and Northern Regions.
International travel saw a downturn, with public transport usage totaling 1,392,353 people, a decline of 11.99 percent. Meanwhile, road traffic on major highways in Bangkok decreased slightly by 1.51 percent, with a significant 20.82 percent reduction in expressway traffic.
The Ministry, through its Transportation Safety Operations Center, carried out inspections on various transportation modes. Public buses underwent extensive checks, with 55 buses identified as defective. Rail staff were inspected, revealing one instance of alcohol possession, while boat inspections resulted in 12 vessels being flagged for repairs. No cases of alcohol or drug use were found among personnel across these sectors.
Air travel operations remained efficient, with robust measures in place to prevent congestion and ensure security. The Ministry reported 1,066 road accidents during the period, resulting in 127 deaths and 1,180 injuries. Speeding was identified as the primary cause, with motorcycles being the most involved vehicle type. Despite these figures, overall accidents, fatalities, and injuries decreased compared to the previous year.
The Ministry's evaluation indicated that while most sectors met national safety indicators, the Expressway Authority of Thailand saw accidents and injuries surpass these benchmarks. Efforts to accommodate returning travelers included measures by the Department of Land Transport to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent passenger exploitation.
The State Railway of Thailand and the Department of Rail Transport were proactive in preparing for passenger returns, emphasizing safety and facilitating travel under the Ministry's "HNY 2569 - Happiness of All, Network of Care, Year of Safety" policy. Passengers were urged to adhere to safety guidelines and report any suspicious activities.
Under the slogan "Happy Festival, Everywhere in Thailand: Convenient and Safe Travel on the Transportation Network," the Ministry of Transport remains committed to ensuring safe and efficient travel across the nation. Travelers can access information and report issues through various hotlines, including the Transportation Safety Center and other transport authorities.