Once again, traffic was
at a standstill on Sukhumvit Road April 18-19 in Pattaya and Naklua.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Pattaya police deployed 150 officers to try and keep Songkran
traffic moving.
While highway police set up checkpoints to inspect drivers for alcohol
use, weapons and drugs, they also cleared a lane to allow for cars to
pass. Checkpoints also offered cold towels, driving directions and
service, as needed, from doctors and nurses.
Hoping to keep accidents, injuries and deaths down, police promised
strict enforcement of speeders, drunk drivers and those driving without
motorcycle helmets or licenses. Despite those pledges, however, carnage
increased nationally from last year to 321 dead, although accidents
(2,828) and injuries (3,040) were down slightly from April 11-17.