According to national police head General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, officers would take action nationally to ease traffic congestion, maintain road safety, and deter criminality during the Songkran festival.
On the holiday from April 13 to 15, he stated, police will implement the increased precautions.
During the festival, trucks won’t be allowed on major thoroughfares, and extra lanes will be built to handle the increase in traffic, he said.
“The police will also be vigilant in looking for signs of probable drug or alcohol abuse by public bus drivers. Road accidents will be decreased by rigorous adherence to the law, Damrongsak promised.
Maj-General Ekarat Limsangkat, commander of the Highway Police, stated that increased travel to and from Bangkok is anticipated during Songkran this year, with over 7 million journeys, an increase of 5.3% over last year. According to him, there may be more traffic congestion than last year and there may be more accidents.
Ekarat continued, “Drivers who feel drowsy should stop and relax during long travels because falling asleep at the wheel is a major cause of traffic accidents.”
A total of 344 rooms at 205 service stations across the nation operated by the Highway Police Division are available to weary drivers for free, short breaks. Online inquiries and reservations can be made at www.booking.hwpdth.com.
