Northern Thailand
Summer Storms Clear the Haze in Northern Thailand for Songkran 2024
Thunderstorms with high winds have affected northern Thailand over the first two days of Songkran 2024 with the Thai Meteorological Department warning people should stay indoors and take safety measures, during heavy winds and lightning strikes.
Summer storms, especially in northern Thailand, have developed due to a high-pressure system over the country and the South China Sea, which has brought extremely hot weather. Several provinces, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and Tak, are at risk of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail during these storms.
Protecting crops and livestock is a top priority for farmers as they get ready to weather the storm. People in the regions impacted should keep an eye on updates from the Meteorological Department while the weather system keeps bringing stormy conditions.
From Friday through Tuesday, the nation celebrates the Thai New Year holiday, and the heavy rains coincide with that. Several regions, including Chiang Rai, began splashing water on Thursday night in preparation for this year’s Songkran Day, which is on Saturday.
A hazardous haze had been engulfing the northern area of Thailand for more than a month until the torrential rains arrived, saving the day like a superhero.
Heavy rains in recent days have cleared the sky of the dangerous haze that inhabitants of Northern Thailand fear every year, allowing for better visibility. This is a long-awaited relief for the locals, and it also means they may enjoy the outdoors without worrying about becoming sick during Songkran 2024.
Road Accidents During Songkran 2024
The government’s vehicle Safety Centre said that there were 550 injuries and 63 fatalities due to vehicle accidents in the first two days of Songkran travel.
Friday marked the second day of the road safety campaign, and according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong’s statement on Saturday, 307 traffic accidents occurred nationally. There were 38 fatalities and 299 injuries reported as a result of these accidents.
Drunk driving accounted for 21.17% of accidents, speeding for 41.37%, and cutting in front of other vehicles for 20.20%.
Motorbikes were involved in the vast majority of accidents (84.91%). Straight roads accounted for 86.32% of these accidents, while Highway Department roads accounted for 40.07 % and roads under tambon administration organizations and communities for 25.73 %.
According to the minister of justice, the majority of the casualties were young adults (aged 20 to 29).
Thailand was home to 51,496 law enforcement personnel stationed at 1,762 primary safety checkpoints.
Highest Injuries in Chiang Rai
With fifteen reports, Phayao province had the busiest day of accidents on Friday. With fourteen casualties apiece, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phaya were the worst hit. With three fatalities apiece, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, and Chiang Rai provinces had the highest number of road fatalities in Thailand.
Over the course of Thursday and Friday, 541 traffic incidents occurred, leading to 550 injuries and 63 fatalities. There were no fatalities due to traffic accidents in 42 provinces.
Both Chiang Rai and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces had a total of 21 accidents. The two provinces with the highest total injuries were Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat, with 22 apiece. In terms of total fatalities, Roi Et ranked first (5).
During this year’s seven risky days, the Royal Thai Police had aimed to reduce traffic accidents by 5%.
Road Safety in Thailand
Some people have taken leave until April 21, which means there will be more people on the roads, according to Prommin Kantiya, director of the Accident Prevention Network at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
Official statistics show that 2,203 road accidents occurred during last year’s Songkran celebration (April 11–17), leading to 264 fatalities and 2,208 injuries. Road accidents in Thailand have been an ongoing problem, with worrisome statistics in recent years. In 2023, the statistics remain concerningly high, emphasizing the critical need for improved road safety policies.
Despite attempts, Thailand continues to have one of the world’s highest road fatality rates. Reckless driving, a lack of policing, and insufficient infrastructure all contribute to this catastrophic situation. Addressing this situation demands a multifaceted approach that includes tighter legislation, public awareness initiatives, and infrastructural upgrades to provide safer roads for all.
Keywords: songkran new year, songkran festival in thailand, songkran in thailand
Northern Thailand
Tubers on Pai River Draw Anger Over Inappropriate Behavior
The Governor of Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand has sought stricter rules for tourist tubing on the Pai River, following allegations of tourists sneaking into resort areas to engage in sexual activities, which prompted police reports and considerable criticism online.
After a resort owner in Pai protested about the existing situation of tubing activities along the Pai River, the Governor became aware of the matter. According to the accusations, wine and beer are discreetly offered to tourists while disguised in plastic water bottles to prevent detection.
After their tubing adventures, these tourists, both men and women, would walk around Pai town in their swimsuits. Men often wear one pair of swim briefs, but most women wear two-piece swimsuits or bikinis.
This behavior was considered derogatory to local culture. Recently, there were instances of tourists slipping into resort areas to engage in sexual activities, which prompted police investigations and considerable online criticism.
Following the complaint, provincial governor Chuchip Pongchai requested a meeting of the police and allied authorities on July 16 to explore further tourism restrictions.
The province already restricts the selling of alcohol to tourists who go tubing, which involves floating down a river on inner tubes made of rubber tires. Most people observe the guidelines, but others, including some store owners, break them by concealing the alcohol by pouring it in water bottles.
According to TNA, Pai is one of Northern Thailand’s most popular tourist spots, attracting 40,000 visitors each year and strengthening Thailand’s economy.
Tubing in the Pai River has become a favorite activity among foreigners. However, the governor stated that the attitude of some tourists has jeopardised the province’s image.
Tourists Tubing on Pai River
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Northern Thailand
Pregnant Woman Goes Psycho Stabs Family Members in Phayao
Police in northern Thailand’s Phayao province have arrested a 40-year-old pregnant mother for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to create bodily harm.
Phayao Police report they were called after a woman and her daughter had been stabbed and beaten by a family member to a house number 206, Soi 7, Village No. 3, Ban San Nong Niao Subdistrict. Tom, Mueang District.
When officers arrived they found Ms. Chayada Chaiyawan, age 45, and her daughter Ms. Patida Chaiyawan, age 19, with injuries to their bodies and heads. Blood was spread all over the bedroom, and they found Mrs. Sakulkarn, aged 40 years, who was a relative living next door, tied up.
The police then transported all of them to Phayao Hospital for treatment. Ms. Chayada was stabbed thirteen times and her daughter twice. Both also sustained head injuries, according to Phayao police.
Ms. Chayada told police the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. She was sleeping in the room with her young son, when she heard someone opened the bedroom door. She said at that time it was still dark and all she saw a shadow of a person lifting what she though was a hammer.
She said the got up and fought until she fell after being hit in the head and stabbed with a knife, in fear for her life she screamed for her daughter to come and help. When the daughter entered the room the assailant proceeded to hit her in the head and stabbed her also.
The assailant ran out of the room and was immediately restrained by a neighbour who heard the screaming and ran into the house to help. Mrs. Sakulkarn who was 7 months pregnant was tied up and police and rescue workers were called to the scene. The neighbour told police that all the time they were waiting for the police.
Police said Mrs. Sakulkarn is being held in Hospital and is under psychiatric care. Ms. Chayada and her daughter were treated for their injuries and sent home.
According to Thai Media, Police said charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to create bodily harm will be filed against Mrs. Sakulkarn after she is released from Hospital.
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Northern Thailand
Train Crashes into Pickup Killing 5 in Phitchit Province
Five people were killed and two others badly injured when a pickup truck was hit by a north-bound train at an unguarded railway crossing in Phitchit province on Monday evening.
Phitchit police reported the horrific crash occurred around 6 pm at Moo 1 village in tambon Pak Thang of Muang district of Phitchit.
Police said the 201 passenger train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok approached the crossing, which was unguarded and had no safety barriers.
A four-door pickup truck plates drove across the tracks and into the path of oncoming the train which was was unable to stop or slowdown in time to avoid hitting the pickup truck.
The force of the crash drove the pickup about 30 metres down the railway crossing and off to the side. All passengers on the pickup were thrown from the vehicle.
Three women passengers died immediately and two more passengers died later at Phichit Hospital. Two others including the driver of the pickup were seriously injured.
Police investigators said truck driver Pratya Khongthat, 40, was taking relatives, including a 14-yea-old girl, to a funeral at Wat Ratchangkhwan in tambon Pak Thang, approximately one kilometer from the accident scene.
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