Calamity

BANGKOK — Speeding edged out intoxication to claim the most lives during the “dangerous days” of Songkran this year, which ended after 418 people died on the roads over seven days, according to officials.

BANGKOK — Interior Minister Gen. Anupong Paochinda on Tuesday denied that this year’s apparent rise in road fatalities during Songkran were caused by a lack of police diligence at traffic checkpoints.

BANGKOK — Behind the wheel of a turbo Toyota van called the “flying pig” for speeds considered fast even by first responders, Isadar Sinthu-aree settles in for a long night’s patrol of lower Bangkok.

CHIANG MAI — The “Rose of the North” won world recognition Wednesday for the dubious distinction of having the worst recorded air quality during peak conditions.

BANGKOK — Thirty-nine people were killed on the first day of what have come to be known as the “seven dangerous days” of Songkran. Drunk driving was the biggest culprit.

TAK — At least six foreign laborers died when a bus left a mountain road early Monday morning in the northeastern province of Tak.

BANGKOK — A monk is in critical condition after being stabbed in the chest Wednesday morning by a young man he met on a train.

BANGKOK — An apartment fire that killed three people early Tuesday was caused by old wiring, officials said.

BANGKOK — Three people were killed early Tuesday when fire broke out inside an apartment in the Ratchathewi area.

BANGKOK — An elderly scavenger kicked unconscious earlier this month died Thursday night, leading police to upgrade charges against the man who assaulted him.