Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has expressed concern for the safety of individuals traveling back to Bangkok. He has urged all provinces to facilitate travel and ensure continuous safety measures, with strict enforcement of laws against drivers exhibiting risky behaviors.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, conveyed that Mr. Anutin is particularly attentive to the anticipated heavy traffic on both main and secondary roads as people return to Bangkok and other economic regions. In his capacity as Director of the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center (ROC), Mr. Anutin has instructed provincial governors, who act as directors of the provincial ROC, to prepare various checkpoints, inspection points, and service points. These measures are aimed at easing the travel back and managing traffic to prevent congestion.
Mr. Anutin has also reiterated the importance of enforcing the '10 main charges' against risky driving behaviors such as speeding, drinking and driving, and not wearing helmets or seatbelts. Additionally, community checkpoints are to proactively deter such behaviors and provide swift assistance to accident victims. Local mechanisms, including village and sub-district headmen and local administrative organizations, are tasked with raising awareness about travel safety and the importance of vehicle and physical readiness before traveling.
Ms. Traisuree also advised drivers, who may experience drowsiness or fatigue during long journeys, to utilize safe areas like gas stations or checkpoints for rest. Passengers are encouraged to monitor driving behavior and engage with drivers to prevent fatigue. For assistance during travel, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation's safety hotline at 1784 is available 24/7.