General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the head of the national police, announced on Friday that police would take action nationally to ease traffic congestion, maintain road safety, and deter criminality during the Songkran holiday.
Over the April 13–15 holiday, the police will implement the increased precautions, he stated.
Trucks will not be allowed on major thoroughfares during the festival, and additional lanes will be constructed to handle the increase in traffic, he said.
The police will also be cautious about looking for any indications of drug or alcohol abuse by bus drivers. To reduce traffic accidents, laws will be properly enforced, according to Damrongsak.
Around 7 million trips, up 5.3% from last year, are anticipated during Songkran this year, according to Highway Police chief Maj-General Ekarat Limsangkat. According to him, there may be more accidents on the roads and traffic congestion may be greater than it was last year.
Drivers who feel sleepy should pull over and take a break during long drives, according to Ekarat, as falling asleep at the wheel is a major contributor to traffic accidents.
There are 344 rooms in all of the 205 service stations that the Highway Police Division operates around the nation for the benefit of weary drivers who need to take quick breaks. Via the website www.booking.hwpdth.com, inquiries and reservations can be made.
