Road accidents killed 271 people nationwide during the “seven dangerous days” of Songkran from April 11 to 17, Thailand’s Road Safety Centre said on Monday.
Almost 3,500 people were injured in traffic accidents.
The Songkran festival is especially popular with tourists who are drawn to celebrations that involve street water battles.
Thais and tourists roam the streets with containers of water or water pistols, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passers by.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said the number of fatalities during the Songkran period dropped by 25 percent from last year when 361 people died in road accidents.
.
