Police want safe, sober Loy Krathong
Police have imposed strict limits on people's usage of fireworks during the November 16-18 Loy Krathong Festival. Also, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt wants to keep the number of accidents involving public transport vehicles at zero, with no inju
Chadchart said the ministry had set up a road-safety centre for this festival and opened a hotline – 1356 – for public inquiries. He also hoped the public transport drivers’ alcohol blood tests would not detect any drunk drivers.
Police spokesperson Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo warned that business owners who don’t have Interior Ministry permission to sell fireworks could face a one-month jail term and/or a Bt1,000 fine. Those carelessly lighting fireworks and causing damage to others risked up to seven years in prison and/or Bt14,000 in fines.
Chiang Mai City deputy clerk Sruamchai Meesomsak said they were campaigning for restrictions on alcohol sales to prevent liquor-induced fighting and to promote tourists’ safety. City officials are also checking on shops to prevent the sale of giant firecrackers. Some 400 police, uniformed and plain-clothed, and volunteers, would be on hand to provide security on a daily basis.