BANGKOK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Thailand reported a slightly higher number of road deaths but fewer traffic accidents and injuries across the Southeast Asian country during the Songkran festival, official data showed on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Interior, 287 people were killed and 2,060 others injured in 2,044 road crashes during the past week, with the traditional Thai New Year Songkran festival falling on April 13-15.

The death toll rose from 264 over the same period 2023, while the number of road accidents and injuries fell from 2,203 and 2,208, respectively.

During the April 11-17 period, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and cutting in front of other vehicles were the leading causes of accidents, said Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

About 85 percent of cases involved motorcycles and risky riding behaviors, such as failing to wear helmets, were attributed to the increase in fatalities, Anutin told a news conference.

The ministry is emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reduce road accidents, including enforcing traffic laws, raising awareness about road safety, and promoting safer driving practices, he added.

The Thai government aims to achieve the national target of reducing the road fatality rate to 12 per 100,000 people by 2027. Enditem

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