Police and volunteers are strictly checking local transport during Songkran.
The Banglamung Land Transportation Department joined the military and police to conduct road checks on public transport and other vehicles starting April 11.
Director Noparath Sochainakorn manned a checkpoint on Central Road near The Park Pattaya where vehicle checks, safety checks and traffic law reinforcement were being carried out to reduce accidents during the Thai New Year.
He said buses, minivans and taxis were the main targets, but authorities are also stopping private vehicles seen breaking the rules of the road, such as carrying too many people in the back of a pickup or driving without motorcycle helmets.
Drivers are tested for alcohol use, buses checked for working fire extinguishers and emergency equipment while passengers are checked for seat belt and helmet use.
Licenses and registrations are also being checked.
The checkpoints will remain in place through April 17.
