BANGKOK – More than 370,000 holidaymakers have begun to make their trips upcountry since last Friday to celebrate the Songkran festival with their families and loved ones.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the number of people leaving Bangkok over the past three days has fallen short of its forecast by 20,000. He expects the number of travelers to peak between April 12 and 13.
The Transport Minister is confident there will be enough bus and train services for the holidaymakers and those returning to their hometowns. Transport Company Ltd and Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation have launched a road safety campaign to ensure passenger safety.
Public transport vehicles and their drivers will be screened in frequent intervals. Anyone found to be driving under the influence will face a fine of up to 10,000 baht or a maximum jail term of three months. A maximum fine of 50,000 baht will also apply to the bus operator.
To prevent the sales of overpriced tickets, police and Transport Company staffers will keep ticket counters under surveillance during the holiday period. Bus operators risk losing their service contracts with Transport Company Ltd if they are found to have committed the same offense repeatedly.
