Pattaya police deployed 150 officers to try and keep Songkran traffic moving.
While highway police set up checkpoints to inspect drivers for alcohol use, weapons and drugs, they also cleared a lane to allow for cars to pass. Checkpoints also offered cold towels, driving directions and service, as needed, from doctors and nurses.
Hoping to keep accidents, injuries and deaths down, police promised strict enforcement of speeders, drunk drivers and those driving without motorcycle helmets or licenses. Despite those pledges, however, carnage increased nationally from last year to 321 dead, although accidents (2,828) and injuries (3,040) were down slightly from April 11-17.
Once again, traffic was at a standstill on Sukhumvit Road April 18-19 in Pattaya and Naklua.
