BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that public transport systems accommodated 10,326,204 travelers during the first four days of the Songkran festival (April 10–13), a 1.61% increase over the same period last year.
According to the Transport Safety Center, rail systems carried the largest share of commuters at 45.13%. The Central region saw high air traffic, the South had heavy rail usage, and the Northeast, North, and East experienced significant road travel. International passenger volume reached 957,984. Traffic on 12 major highways connecting Bangkok decreased by 1.95%, totaling about 3.9 million vehicles.
The Deputy Prime Minister expects the main return flow to Bangkok to begin on April 15. He has directed all transport agencies to maintain strict safety and facilitation measures across road, rail, water, and air. Agencies must ensure no passengers are stranded and prevent illegal fare increases.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has deployed additional special express trains from Chiang Mai and Yala to Bangkok. Extra services will continue on Northern, Northeastern, and Southern lines through April 14, 15, and 17. Nationwide, safety surveillance at railway crossings remains a top priority, with 24-hour monitoring at high-risk locations.
The Marine Department is using comprehensive CCTV coverage along the Chao Phraya River and Khlong Saen Saep. Port officials nationwide are managing tourist crowds, enforcing vessel speed limits, and providing navigational information to ensure maritime safety.
Travelers can access real-time information or report incidents through the Transport Safety Center Hotline at 1356 or via official mobile applications such as M-Traffic and Thailand Highway Traffic. (NNT)
