PM launches 'Safe Songkran' campaign

The measures include having all tambon, districts and provinces find out which spots are most accident prone and how they can tackle the problem; ensuring that all motorcycle riders wear helmets; strictly implementing the Alcohol Beverage Control Act 2008 under which motorists refusing to test for alcohol will be registered as “drunk”; using speed-detection technology and controlling speed in community areas.

 

Deputy PM and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit presided over the opening of the Road Safety Centre, whose slogan of “Seven Dangerous Days” was changed to “Songkran Plodpai Tai Pen Soon” (Safe Songkran with Zero Deaths). Yingluck changed the slogan because it is “less frightening and campaigns for no deaths”. 

 

Urging motorists to follow traffic regulations, Yongyuth said the authorities hoped that more provinces would report no deaths this year. Last year, 10 provinces recorded zero fatalities during the holiday period.

 

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police deputy chief for traffic Pol Lt-General Worasak Nopsittiporn said checkpoints would be set up all over Bangkok during the period to test motorists for drunk driving. In addition, alcohol tests will be conducted on all bus drivers at the three main bus terminals. 

 

He warned that drunk drivers could face a year in jail and/or a fine ranging from Bt5,000 to Bt20,000 along with a six-month suspension and revocation of their licence. Drivers refusing to take alcohol tests could face charges of drunk driving, he added. 

 

Senior police officer General Somyos Phumphanmuang, Transport Co executive Wutthichat Kalayanamit and 12 female traffic police officers handed out CDs with Songkran-related music to travellers at the Mor Chit Bus Terminal. The 12 policewomen also performed dance routines to entertain the travellers and remind them of road safety. 

 

In related news, a Bangkok University poll revealed that 61.4 per cent of foreign tourists wanted to join Songkran celebrations, but 25.1 per cent were worried about their life and property, 23.4 per cent worried about traffic jams and 17.2 per cent were concerned about the situation getting violent. The most popular venues for foreigners were Bangkok’s Khao San Road (14.7 per cent), Chiang Mai (14.2 per cent) and Pattaya (8.5 per cent). 

 

In addition, 29.9 per cent of the tourists said that last year’s flood crisis and this year’s forest fires had the most impact on their decision to visit Thailand.

 

Meanwhile, several provinces started getting ready for Songkran. In Buri Ram, Newin Chidchob, a well-known politician and president of the Buri Ram United Football Club, will host a party on Friday and Saturday at the I-Mobile Stadium. The event will include a “foam party” and “Sexy DJs” as well as Japanese actress Sola Aoi and the Tokyo Feline dance crew. 

 

Si Sa Ket’s Muang district has installed water sprinklers along the 2-kilometre stretch of Khu Khan Road, while Phetchabun’s Muang district has decorated the 10km stretch of Phetcharoen Road with corn to promote its “Khao Phod” (Corn Road) celebration.

 

Yesterday, the Culture Ministry launched its “Songkran Plod Coyote” (Songkran Free of Coyote Dancers) campaign and set up the 1765 hotline for people to file complaints of inappropriate behaviour, Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said. 

 

Her comments came after she attended a ceremony yesterday when blessings were sought from 32 national artists and other distinguished personalities. 

 

The ministry has also made 15 online Songkran greeting cards available at its www.culture.go.th website.