Traffic accidents took the lives of at least 297 people and injured over 2,800 others in Thailand from 11-15 April during the traditional New Year festival, Songkran.

Director of the Road Safety Directing Centre Sukhum Kanchanaphimai said on 16 April that 2,702 road accidents occurred during the time, mainly in Chiang Mai province.

Udon Thani province had the highest death toll (14) while Chiang Mai province had the highest injuries (104).

Drunk driving is the main cause of most road accidents, accounting for 40.68% of the total cases, followed by speeding, 27.54%.

(Source: VNA)