Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul opened the Road Safety Center, emphasizing the slogan "Don't drink and drive, don't drive while intoxicated," and recommending carpooling to prevent accidents and save energy.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over a press conference to officially launch the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Command Center for the Songkran Festival 2026. The center, operational from April 10-16, is hosted at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The event saw the collaboration of various partner agencies from the government, private sector, and volunteer organizations, aimed at integrating efforts in road safety. The initiative is designed to ensure a safe return to holiday festivities, coinciding with Family Day and Senior Citizens' Day.
The Prime Minister underscored the goal of reducing accidents, fatalities, and injuries on the roads, identifying alcohol consumption and insufficient rest as leading causes. He urged adherence to the principles of "Don't drink and drive, don't drive while intoxicated," alongside respecting the law, avoiding speeding, and adhering to legal speed limits. He highlighted the necessity for motorcyclists to wear helmets consistently and emphasized reducing dangerous areas in communities.
Government agencies were urged to enhance public services, given the unusual circumstances, including fluctuating fuel prices. Anutin advocated for a cultural shift towards carpooling among friends and acquaintances heading in the same direction. He reassured the public of sufficient fuel supplies for travel throughout the Songkran festival, despite potential price issues, and called on provincial governors to manage fuel supplies effectively.
The Minister of Transport emphasized the need for comprehensive preparation for public transportation services, anticipating higher usage due to rising fuel prices. He stressed the importance of gathering up-to-date information, as increased public transportation usage could lead to a proportional decrease in accidents. This approach will require targeted monitoring and vigilance, particularly on secondary roads.
Addressing the traditional water-splashing festivities, Anutin requested provincial governors and police to manage routes effectively, avoiding road closures as experienced previously. He encouraged celebrations while ensuring proper route management and enforcing helmet use to prevent accidents and altercations during the festivities.