BANGKOK, 6 March 2015 – High-ranking officials from the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Highways have convened a joint meeting to discuss plans to prevent and minimize accidents in preparation for the upcoming Songkran Festival.
According to Royal Thai Police Spokesperson Pol. Lt. Gen. Prawut Thawornsiri, the Department of Highways will expedite the repair and maintenance of all damaged roads and will also enlarge road shoulders in rest areas and souvenir zones in order to lower accidents.
The Department of Highways expects to complete the repair and maintenance of main roads within one month. A recent survey has found that there are more than 700 roads across the country where maintenance works are needed. The Royal Thai Police has also requested the Department of Highways to give a notice before carrying out the revamp so that police will be sent out to facilitate the task.
Traffic accidents during the seven-day Songkran Festival last year reportedly claimed 322 lives and injured 3,225. Driving under the influence was the main cause of casualties.
