Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon ordered Chonburi officials to strictly patrol the roads to cut down on the traditional highway carnage during Songkran.
The deputy prime minister spoke to Chonburi Gov. Pakarathorn Thienchai and district chiefs via video conference April 2 to prepare road-safety measures for the Thai New Year. The meeting lasted five minutes.
Pakarathorn was tasked with organizing road checkpoints from April 11-27. Local authorities were urged to collaborate, including police, volunteers and others.
In Chonburi, there are 27 checkpoints and support centers operating. Authorities deployed to the checkpoints concerned are conducting searches, enforcing safety measures, checking for alcohol and drug seat belts, mobile phone use and licenses.
Apart from that, rescuers and medical support units are stationed at the checkpoints in case of any accident or disaster.
