SAD NEWS: Over 400 Accidents at Thailand’s Songkran Festival Leave More Than 500 Dead and Injured – Actress Urassaya Sperbund Narrowly Escapes Tragedy
Bangkok, Thailand – April 14, 2025 – Tragedy struck the vibrant Songkran Festival in Thailand today as more than 400 road accidents were reported within just a few hours, resulting in over 500 deaths and injuries. The nationwide celebration, traditionally known for its joyful water fights and family reunions, took a dark turn amid reports of reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and overcrowded roads.
The shocking figures were confirmed by the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, which has been monitoring the surge in travel activity during the annual Thai New Year celebration. Authorities revealed that of the 500+ casualties, a significant portion involved motorcycles and vehicles driven under the influence of alcohol.
In the midst of the chaos, beloved Thai-Norwegian actress Urassaya Sperbund, widely known as “Yaya,” was informed by her family that she narrowly escaped a tragic accident. According to local media, her family had been traveling to a Songkran event in Chiang Mai province when their vehicle was nearly struck by a speeding truck. The driver reportedly lost control and collided with multiple vehicles nearby, injuring at least seven people at the scene.
Thankfully, Sperbund had chosen not to join her family in the same vehicle that day due to work commitments. Upon hearing the news, the actress took to Instagram to express her relief and sorrow.
“I’m incredibly shaken right now. My family is safe, but I can’t stop thinking about all the people who weren’t so lucky today. Please be careful. Life is so fragile,” she wrote, accompanied by a photo of a Songkran altar decorated with flowers.
The Songkran Festival, which runs from April 13 to April 15, is often associated with high accident rates. However, this year’s numbers are especially alarming. Emergency services have been working nonstop, with hospitals across the country overwhelmed by the influx of injured festivalgoers.
Police officials attributed the high number of incidents to a combination of speeding, drunk driving, and the large number of vehicles on the road as people traveled across provinces to celebrate with their families. Despite campaigns promoting road safety ahead of the festival, compliance has been low.
Major General Anucha Sirisorn, head of the Road Safety Centre, expressed deep concern over the rising toll:
“Every year we warn the public, and yet the numbers remain tragic. This is not just a wake-up call – it’s a heartbreaking reminder that celebration should never come at the cost of human life.”
Social media platforms in Thailand have been flooded with hashtags such as #PrayForSongkran and #YayaSafe, with many users expressing both gratitude for Sperbund’s safety and mourning for those affected by the accidents.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for an emergency meeting to assess the situation and issue stricter nationwide traffic enforcement for the remaining days of the festival. The Ministry of Public Health has also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to report any dangerous driving behavior immediately.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating day, moments of joy and celebration have been replaced with grief, caution, and reflection. What was meant to be a unifying cultural holiday has now become one of the deadliest in recent memory.
More updates will follow as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and release the identities of those injured or killed in the accidents.
If you are in Thailand and need emergency assistance, please contact the national emergency line at 191. For traffic accident support or road hazard reporting, call the Road Safety Centre hotline at 1784.
Stay safe, stay alert, and remember: celebration should never come at the cost of safety.
