The Pattaya area road checkpoints received an inspection from a top transportation official as the area ramped up its Songkran road-safety efforts.
Pongchai Kasemtaweesak, deputy director of the Transport Department, met with Deputy Gov. Chawalit Saeng-Uthai April 11 at the Joint Operation Center to Prevent and Reduce Road Accidents during Songkran.
Pongchai said the visit was to organize the campaign to raise awareness for road users during Songkran with three targets: reduce the potential for accidents, particularly drinking and driving; ensure boats and buses are not overloaded and meet standards; and ensure transport employees are alert to potential issues.
Temporary measures included blocking off U-turns and checks of public-transport passengers.
Thailand ultimately failed when it came to its road-safety campaign for this Songkran season with the nationwide total of accidents, fatalities and injuries all increasing from last year.
