BANGKOK - TRAFFIC accidents killed 226 people and injured 2,329 others in Thailand over the new year holiday, one of the most dangerous times to be on Thai roads, the interior ministry said on Friday.

The ministry's road safety centre said the number of deaths from Dec 30 to Jan 1 was up more than 20 per cent on last year while accidents were up 18 percent, despite a massive campaign against drinking and driving.

Almost half of the fatal accidents were caused by driving under the influence, while speeding was also a leading cause of death on the roads.

On Jan 1 alone, 83 people were killed in 851 accidents, the centre said, with most dying in motorcycle crashes.

Throughout December, police and government officials waged a campaign against dangerous driving, setting up rest areas on highways which offered everything from free coffee and sweets to massage. -- AFP