Suriya Mobilizes Agencies for Safe Songkran Travel 2025

Bangkok: In a concerted effort to ensure safe and seamless travel during the upcoming Songkran Festival 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, announced a comprehensive mobilization of all relevant agencies. This initiative follows the directives of Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, who emphasized the importance of safety and facilitation for travelers during this festive season. According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Transport has established an integrated approach across various sectors to ensure the safety of travelers using all modes of transportation, including land, rail, water, and air. The Transport Safety Operation Center (TSOC) will be operational from April 11-18, 2025, utilizing a network of 454 CCTV cameras from eight agencies to monitor traffic and safety conditions. This initiative aims to reduce accidents and improve overall safety by 5% compared to previous years. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking proactive meas ures by inspecting vehicles, drivers, and implementing GPS monitoring to manage risky driving behaviors. They have also set up 169 bus stations and 28 checking points nationwide to ensure the readiness of buses and drivers. Meanwhile, the Department of Highways (DoH) is improving traffic infrastructure and setting up 423 service points to address traffic congestion. Efforts extend to the rail sector, where the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has added extra carriages to accommodate increased passenger numbers and implemented stringent safety checks. Similarly, the Marine Department is coordinating with agencies to maintain water safety, and the Department of Airports is enhancing security and passenger convenience at airports. The initiative also includes toll exemptions on expressways and free parking at major airports. Citizens can access various helplines for travel information and assistance during the festival. This multi-faceted strategy underscores the commitment to a 'Happy Festival, Everywhere in T hailand,' ensuring convenient and safe travel across the transportation network.