161 killed during Songkran festival celebration in Thailand

BANGKOK: At least 161 people have been killed and 1,640 others injured in a number of accidents caused by drunk driving and speeding during Thailand's Songkran festival that marks the arrival of spring.

Fifty-nine people were killed and 747 injured in 689 accidents yesterday, the third day of the "seven dangerous days" (April 11-17) of the festival.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said yesterday's figures brought the number of people killed and injured in the first three days to 161 and 1,640 respectively in 1,539 accidents.

Most of the accidents were caused by drunk driving (42.38 per cent), followed by speeding (23.95 per cent).

It said vehicles involved in most road mishaps are motorcycles (76.35 per cent), and pickup trucks (14.81 per cent).

Songkran is like Holi, but instead of colours, the Thais use talcum powder mixed in water with ice in it. They also ushered in the New Year today, according to the Thai lunar calendar.

The festival has forced the Thais to set aside their pro and anti government stance and come together, heralding the arrival of spring.

Thailand has been in political turmoil since anti-government protests began in November. The protesters accuse Yingluck of acting as a proxy for her fugitive brother, former premier Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006.