Traffic law enforcement tightened ahead of Songkran

Since March 1, the Royal Thai Police and its relevant divisions – Tourist Police, Traffic Police, Strategy Division, and Foreign Affairs Division – in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Department of Highways have been strengthening the enforcement of traffic laws on motorists and motorcyclists.
The authorities yesterday said the aim was to improve road safety at major tourist destinations.
The targeted destinations are Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, Phuket, Hat Yai, Samut Prakan and Ayutthaya.
The strict enforcement will cover 10 key traffic rules and regulations including driving on sidewalks, driving without a licence, driving against the traffic, failing to give way to pedestrians at crossings, driving without wearing a seatbelt or helmet, careless or inconsiderate driving, driving under the influence or while intoxicated, illegal car accessorising, and parking in a prohibited space.
The government announced in late January that it was asking police to tighten enforcement on traffic rules and regulations across the country as part of the broader effort to upgrade safety and security standards, and to boost trust and confidence among the public.
A representative of the Tourism and Sports Ministry said the tighter enforcement should reduce car accidents especially during next month’s Songkran Festival, when millions of local and foreign tourists will be travelling by car.
For years, the government has marked the “Seven Dangerous Days” of the Songkran Festival. The campaign aimed to reduce car accidents.
Next month, more minivans from China are expected to cross into the Kingdom, especially the Northern region. Boonsong Techamanisathit, governor of Chiang Rai province, said immigration officers at entry gates would provide driving manuals and advise drivers on the tighter law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Sukanya Sirisopokakit, director of the Chiang Rai Transport Office, said all vehicles including minivans from China were required to buy third-class insurance before entering the country. The Transport Office earlier announced that all cars from China had to have Po Ro Bo insurance.
According to the Chiang Rai office, 1,487 cars from China passed through the Chiang Kong gate in the province in 2013, 8,883 in 2014, and 9,248 last year.