Seventy-one people were killed and 317 others injured in traffic accidents during the first two days of the Songkran festival holiday period. 

They were the victims of 344 traffic accidents on Friday and Saturday, officials said on Sunday. 

Nan province reported the most accidents, 17. Nan and Lampang, both northern provinces, reported the most injured traffic victims, with 17 each. The highest death toll was shared by Prachin Buri and Phitsanulok province, with four each.

On Saturday alone there were 208 traffic accidents nationwide, causing 50 fatalities and leaving 185 people injured. 

The most common cause of accidents was speeding (45%), followed by drink driving (25%). Motorcycles were involved in 61% of the accidents.

Officials said most Songkran travellers had already reached their destinations.