Drink driving was the most common cause of road accidents on the first day of the New Year's "seven dangerous days" road safety campaign, said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
The campaign started Tuesday and runs until Monday (Jan 4). Mr Arkhom said road accidents on Tuesday claimed the lives of 39 people. From 439 accidents, 456 more were injured.
The road safety statistics were collated from 2,165 checkpoints set up nationwide where 64,000 officers ran checks on drivers and motorcyclists, Mr Arkhom said.
Drink driving was the most common cause of road accidents, accounting for 27% of accidents, followed by people driving over the speed limit which made up about 20%, he said.
Accidents involving motorcycles accounted for nearly 90% of the total, he said.
Accidents on main roads comprised over 65%; more than 36% happened on roads under the Department of Highways; and 30% took place in villages, Mr Arkhom said.
Most accidents happened between 4pm and 8pm. More than 54% of accident victims were working people, he said.
The highest numbr of accidents was in Chiang Mai, (17), which also had the most injuries (19); while the most deaths occurred in Mukdahan (4).
National Council for Peace and Order deputy spokeswoman Sirichan Nga-thong said motorcycles were involved in 1,228 accidents and that 213 motorbikes were impounded between last Friday and Tuesday under a road safety campaign organised by military officers.
Army chief Theerachai Nakwanich had ordered soldiers to launch a holiday road safety campaign.
Under the campaign, troops and police have arrested people found to be driving while drunk and seized their vehicles.
The seized cars and motorcycles can be reclaimed after the New Year festivities.
Meanwhile, national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said Wednesday almost 5,000 police officers will be deployed at different locations on New Year's Eve in the capital to ensure safety.
Police will be on duty at three main spots -- Central World on Ratchaprasong Road, Asiatique night market on Charoen Krung Road and at Nagarabhirom Park on Maha Rat Road which are the city's most popular spots for the occasion, Pol Gen Chakthip said.