BANGKOK, Thailand – Authorities continue to ensure public safety as holiday travelers begin returning from provincial areas to Bangkok and other major cities. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has expressed concern for citizens traveling back to Bangkok and key economic zones across the country. He noted that both main and secondary roads linking provinces may experience increasing traffic congestion toward the end of the Songkran holiday period. He has instructed provincial governors, in their capacity as heads of Provincial Road Safety Centers, to prepare checkpoints, inspection points, and service areas to accommodate the public’s return journeys. This includes managing traffic on all routes to prevent gridlocks, while continuing to strictly enforce the ten core measures against high-risk driving behaviors such as speeding, drunk driving, not wearing helmets, and not using seat belts.
Additionally, he emphasized proactive operations by local checkpoints to deter risky driving and ensure rapid assistance to accident victims. Authorities have also been tasked with disseminating traffic and travel information through local networks, including sub-district chiefs, village heads, and local administrative organizations.
Drivers and tourists are urged to ensure both their physical condition and vehicle readiness before traveling. Those feeling drowsy or fatigued while driving long distances are advised to stop at safe areas such as gas stations or official checkpoints. Passengers are encouraged to monitor the driver’s behavior and engage in conversation to help prevent fatigue-related accidents. For emergency assistance during travel, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s safety hotline 1784 is available 24/7. (NNT)
