Approximately 120 foreign tourists die in road accidents in Thailand annually, with 91 fatalities recorded among foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2026. This trend has prompted road safety advocates to call for stricter penalties for drunk driving and enhanced protections for tourists who rent motorcycles or travel on foot.
Data from the Road Accident Victims Protection Company, as reported by DailyNews on October 8, indicated that Thailand recorded 116 foreign tourist deaths and 14,269 injuries related to road crashes in 2025. By October 5 of this year, the company had documented 91 deaths and 9,668 injuries among foreign tourists, an average of about 10 deaths per month.
Dr. Thanapong Jinwong, manager of the Road Safety Academic Centre, stated that these figures highlight a significant issue that has not received sufficient attention, despite the government promoting Thailand as a secure destination. He argued that tourist safety policies should incorporate road accident prevention alongside crime and other security measures, particularly as foreign visitors continue to die in preventable incidents. Dr. Thanapong noted that approximately 80% of foreign tourist road fatalities involve riders of rented motorcycles, with about 10% being pedestrians, including those crossing roads. He also expressed concern about intoxicated drivers, though existing data does not specify the direct link between drink-driving and tourist deaths.
Thailand’s overall road safety record remains a concern. The World Health Organization estimated 18,218 road traffic deaths nationwide in 2021, approximately 50 deaths per day. The WHO’s 2023 Global Status Report on Road Safety, using 2021 mortality estimates, placed Thailand’s road traffic death rate at 25.4 per 100,000 people, positioning it among the highest in Asia, with motorcyclists accounting for around 84% of deaths during that period.
In response to these statistics, Dr. Thanapong is advocating for more severe penalties for motorists who cause death while intoxicated, suggesting that current punishments may not be a sufficient deterrent. Under Thailand’s Road Traffic Act, causing death while drink-driving can result in a prison sentence of three to 10 years, a fine of 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and the revocation of the driver’s license. He pointed out that defendants who plead guilty, compensate victims’ families, or contribute to funeral expenses may receive reduced sentences, and judges have the discretion to suspend imprisonment in certain cases. The proposed amendment seeks to increase the prison term to seven to 15 years for motorists convicted of causing death while under the influence.
A public consultation cited by DailyNews revealed substantial support for stronger penalties, with 91% of respondents in favor of imprisonment for drivers who kill while intoxicated and 87% supporting a seven- to 15-year sentence. Campaigners intend to begin collecting 10,000 signatures in November to support the proposed legislative amendment, although it will still need to undergo the necessary legal processes before any changes can be implemented.
Dr. Thanapong cited Japan as an example of how increased enforcement and penalties can effectively deter fatal drink-driving. Japan introduced stricter measures in the early 2000s, including increased fines and tighter alcohol limits. A study indicated a significant decrease in fatal drink-driving crashes, from 1,276 in 2000 to 287 in 2010, representing a roughly 78% reduction, although researchers noted that the downward trend had begun prior to some of these reforms.
He also highlighted the issue of drivers leaving accident scenes before police can conduct alcohol tests, which complicates the determination of intoxication. He urged investigators to document aggravating circumstances, such as dangerous speeding and flight from the scene, to ensure that courts have adequate information for sentencing.
The road safety campaign is running in parallel with Thailand’s broader efforts to boost tourism confidence. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched its Trusted Thailand initiative to enhance safety and service standards, with the government emphasizing inter-agency collaboration among police, tourism operators, and other stakeholders. However, road safety remains a persistent vulnerability. A Ministry of Tourism and Sports report indicated that Thailand ranked 102nd out of 119 economies for safety and security in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index, despite an overall 47th ranking for the tourism sector. For foreign visitors and expatriates residing in Thailand, motorcycle safety continues to be a practical concern. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel guidance advises travelers to ensure they possess a valid driving license and to verify whether their travel insurance covers motorcycle use, noting that riding without a valid license could invalidate insurance in the event of an accident. While the most recent fatality figures specifically address foreign tourists, the broader risks associated with unsafe driving, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian collisions also affect expatriates living in Thailand.