Thailand’s annual Songkran water festival, known as the world’s largest water festival, has turned deadly with 191 reported deaths and over 951 accidents in its first three days. The festival, which marks the traditional Thai New Year, is a seven-day celebration held in mid-April every year. During this time, millions of people from major cities like Bangkok migrate to their hometowns, causing congested roads and a surge in accidents.
A Thai dish has gone viral online, featuring live frogs, which is considered a major contributor to the festival’s popularity. Reports suggest that 52 people lost their lives in road accidents during the first two days of the festival, with approximately 42% of the incidents caused by reckless driving and 27.4% attributed to driving under the influence.
The festival, dubbed the “Seven Deadly Days,” sees most accidents occur between 3 pm and 6 pm. Helmet-less driving and irresponsible driving are major causes of fatalities. Despite government initiatives to promote safety and strict laws, the number of fatalities continues to rise every year.
This year, the festival is expected to attract nearly 5 million foreign tourists and generate significant revenue. According to international media reports, the festival is believed to purify the waters and wash away the sins of the past year.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, with various world leaders weighing in on the situation. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Iran will not accept any temporary ceasefire.
In other news, a former US governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Dr. Sarah Kropf, before taking his own life in a tragic incident in Virginia.
