Post by : Shakul

Thailand has stepped up road safety measures ahead of the Songkran Festival 2026, with strict instructions issued to all provincial governors to ensure public safety during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.

The directive comes under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has emphasized coordinated efforts across all sectors to reduce accidents and facilitate smooth travel nationwide.

A seven-day “dangerous period” campaign has been launched from April 10 to April 16, focusing on accident prevention, strict law enforcement, and public awareness. Authorities aim to ensure safer journeys for people returning to their hometowns and tourists traveling across regions.

On the first day of the campaign, April 10, a total of 135 accidents were reported, leading to 132 injuries and 20 fatalities. Speeding and sudden lane changes were identified as the primary causes, while motorcycles accounted for over 70% of the accidents.

To improve safety, officials have been instructed to strictly enforce traffic laws, crack down on drunk driving, and set up convenience checkpoints. These checkpoints will offer water, snacks, medicines, and rest areas for long-distance travelers, while ensuring traffic flow is not disrupted.

Additionally, community and family checkpoints will be deployed on local roads to monitor risky behavior and prevent accidents at the grassroots level. Authorities are also addressing concerns about fuel shortages by reassuring the public that sufficient fuel supply is being maintained across the country.

With extreme heat expected during the festival, citizens are advised to watch for symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and heatstroke. Emergency services, including hotline 1669 and other safety helplines, have been made available 24/7 to respond quickly to accidents or health emergencies.

#Thailand News #Asia News #Global #Politics #World Update