Moves to make travel during Songkran safer, easier, cheaper
The Transport Ministry is taking steps to make interprovincial travel during the Songkran holidays safer and easier this year.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Thursday that relevant agencies have been told to ease travel in line with Covid-19 prevention measures as many people would want to return to their hometowns, travel or make merit during the April 11-17 holiday.
“The plan will focus on giving people easy access to public transport, boosting their confidence in service quality, reducing accidents, managing traffic and coordinating with related agencies on facilitating travel,” he said.
Saksayam added that the ministry will also provide the following services during Songkran:
Waiver of toll fees
April 12-18: Burapha Withi and Kanchanapisek expresses
April 13-15: Si Rat, Udon Ratthaya and Chalerm Mahanakorn expressways
April 12-18: Motorway No 7 (Bangkok - Pattaya) and Motorway No 9 (Bang Pa-in–Bang Phli, Phra Pradaeng–Bang Khae and Phra Pradaeng–Bang Khun Thian)
Temporary opening of Motorway No 6 (Pak Chong – Sikhiu – Kham Thale Sor)
April 11-14 for departures
April 15-18 for arrivals
Free parking in Suvarnabhumi Airport's Zone C from April 11-17
The Transport Ministry has also instructed relevant agencies to ensure accident-prone areas, like railway intersections, are made safer and set up checkpoints to ensure drivers and vehicles are roadworthy.