Huge number of traffic charges as holidaymakers return home

Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said yesterday that national police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijina had instructed officers to intensify efforts to prevent and suppress crime as well as promote public awareness during the holiday period, which kicked off on Friday. 

Of the million vehicles that were stopped at checkpoints, drivers of more than 100,000 were charged with traffic offences, Krisana added. 

Apologising to travellers for inconvenience, he explained that vehicles had to be stopped at checkpoints during this period for the sake of public safety, as some people used this opportunity for criminal activities and to smuggle illegal items. 

Expecting traffic jams on highways leading to the capital yesterday and this morning, Chakthip also instructed provincial police Regions 1, 2 and 7 to set up checkpoints, the spokesman said. 

Thanking officers for strictly enforcing laws against 10 major traffic offences such as speeding, he said police would also analyse the operation’s results so better controls can be implemented during the next long holiday. 

In Nakhon Ratchasima province, the chief of a new bus terminal, Prasanti Khaoplod, said the station was filled with thousands of people trying to secure tickets to Bangkok yesterday morning, though the number of buses to the capital would not be increased. 

Since Mitrapap Highway was congested with cars moving slowly towards the capital, buses returning to Korat were delayed by at least 30 minutes. This caused the sale of tickets to be temporarily suspended yesterday afternoon, he said, adding that all passengers should be on their way back to Bangkok last night.