Police in Lampang have launched horse-drawn carriage patrols for the Songkran festival, enhancing public safety while promoting local heritage and reducing fuel use. This initiative, led by Muang Lampang Police Station, integrates these patrols with car and motorcycle units to maintain order, protect property, and boost tourist confidence during the holiday.
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The selected officers underwent training with the Lampang Carriage Association to learn carriage handling before deployment. Patrols will target key routes, including Boonyawat and Thip Chang roads, and the city's economic areas. Pol. Lt. Col. Thanee Tanjankul, overseeing the project, noted it supports the provincial police's security goals, led by Major General Phumiphan Nawatrakulpisut.
These carriage patrols will complement motorised units and, in some areas, serve as fuel-efficient alternatives amid high energy prices. Officers will also focus on sensitive locations like gold shops and tourist sites. The use of traditional police uniforms while on patrol underscores Lampang’s unique cultural identity.
Horse-drawn carriages have been part of Lampang’s history since the reign of King Chulalongkorn in 1915, serving as transport between provinces like Chiang Mai and Phrae. Although they have become less common elsewhere, Lampang continues to preserve this heritage, formally organizing its carriage association in 1952.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 09 Apr 2026
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