Bangkok Songkran 2026 Hits Record 5 Million Participants as Casualties and Fire Incidents Rise

Brickinfo News Agency – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported a massive surge in Songkran festival attendance for 2026, with nearly 5 million people joining festivities across the capital. While the economic turnout saw a 93% increase compared to the previous year, the city also faced a rise in road fatalities, significant waste accumulation, and a worrying spike in grass fires during the holiday period from April 10 to 15.

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA, revealed that the total number of participants reached 4,958,965, a sharp increase from the 2,564,663 recorded in 2025. This nearly double growth was driven by 94 official event locations. Siam Square led as the most popular destination with over 1.5 million visitors, followed by ICONSIAM (1.47 million) and Silom Road (652,974).

Despite the festive atmosphere, road safety remains a critical concern. Data from the Erawan Center and the Traffic and Transportation Department showed 18 major accidents resulting in 20 deaths and 2,554 injuries. This marks an increase in fatalities from the 19 deaths recorded in 2025. Statistics highlight that motorcycles were involved in 85% of fatal accidents, with nine victims reportedly not wearing helmets. The Thung Khru and Prawet districts recorded the highest death tolls.

Environmental and fire safety departments also reported increased workloads. Waste collection at major celebration sites totaled 336 tons, up from 250.5 tons last year, with Khao San Road generating the highest volume at 102 tons. More alarming was the surge in fire incidents, which jumped to 145 cases compared to 38 in the previous year. This was primarily driven by 132 grass fires, a significant rise from the 20 cases reported in 2025.

BMA Spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala stated that while these are not yet the final figures for the entire “Seven Dangerous Days” period, the data reflects a massive increase in public participation.

“This year, Bangkok saw tourists and citizens coming out for Songkran nearly double in number, and various figures rose accordingly, including waste volume, grass fires, and road fatalities. However, the BMA will conduct a lesson-learned session from various event areas to improve and plan preventive measures for the 2027 festival. I want to thank all officials for their hard work and urge the public to drive safely and strictly follow traffic laws during their return journeys.”