00:00At least 242 people died in just the four days of Thailand's biggest water festival.
00:05This is Songkran, Thailand's traditional new year and the world's largest water fight.
00:10A festival built around new beginnings now unfolding during what is infamously called
00:15the Seven Dangerous Days.
00:17In 2026, it's turning into one of the deadliest weeks on Thailand's roads.
00:21On the surface, it looks like a pure celebration.
00:24Streets turn into battlegrounds of water, laughter fills the air and millions travel
00:29back home to be with their families.
00:30But behind the vibrant visuals lies a disturbing reality.
00:34In just the first three days of the festival, more than 951 accidents and over 900 injuries
00:40were reported.
00:41Day 1 alone saw 51 deaths.
00:43The biggest killer?
00:44Speeding is responsible for nearly 42% of the fatalities, followed by drunk driving at 27.4%.
00:51Every year, this celebration triggers a mass migration from cities like Bangkok
00:55as millions hit the roads to reunite with their loved ones.
00:59According to the WHO, Thailand already ranks as the 9th most deadliest nation for road crashes
01:04and this week's proves why.
01:06Even with stricter laws, police checkpoints and safety campaigns, the carnage continues.
01:11With nearly 5 lakh international visitors expected and revenues touching 940 million dollars,
01:18the world watches the spectacle of Songkran.
01:20But here lies the tragic irony, a festival meant for renewal, cleansing and new beginnings
01:25is repeatedly marked by loss, grief and life's cut short.
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