Traffic police ready to provide safety to people during Songkran festival

[webfact]

Traffic police ready to provide safety to people during Songkran festival

BANGKOK, 4 April 2016 (NNT) – Deputy Commander of Traffic Police, Police Colonel Aekkarak Limsangkas stated that the police stand ready to impound drunk drivers’ vehicles during the Songkran festival, and awaits an official order from the National Council for Peace and Order.

He confirmed that traffic police are ready to comply with the guidelines to reduce the accidents that may occur during the long holiday period.

In addition, the traffic police will use the same operational plan as the previous New Year festival to facilitate traffic for the public, by opening special lanes for outbound traffic. It is expected that Thai nationals will begin their departure from Bangkok during 8-10 April.


-- NNT 2016-04-04

[Reigntax]

And at all other times they can just continue to drink drive as they wish?

[jamesbrock]

Last year we drove the 300 kilometres from Phimai to Don Mueang during the Songkran exodus; from turning onto the highway right into Bangkok the traffic on the other side of the highway was bumper to bumper. Occasionally we were faced with the contra-flow lanes that did nothing to alleviate the congestion because they were number to bumper as well.

[NongKhaiKid]

Awaiting an order to impound vehicles.

Ready to comply with guidelines to prevent accidents.

Here's a novel idea for the BIB, there are plenty of suitable laws on the statute books so why not try enforcing them ?

As for the Highway Police, it's easy to drive hundreds of kilometres without seeing them and if actually spotted they're most likely manning a static checkpoint.

How about a bit of mobile patrolling lads and you might be amazed at what you'll see. Of course doing something about offenders is an entirely different exercise.

[jaltsc]

"...opening special lanes for outbound traffic."

More like opening special lanes so traffic can slow down enough in order to collect their tea money.

There is one given as far a Songkran goes. Each year, both traffic fatalities and tea money collected increase.

[MilesofSmiles]

This seems like a positive thing, along with the free vehicle inspection/repair thing that has been in the press.

[meatboy]

police to provide safety, they will confiscate all drink.

[Ceruhe]

I'll be happy enough with the police if they don't plant a guy at intersections and have traffic back up to Nirvana as opposed to just let the traffic signal do it's job.

[Pib]

Here's a novel idea for the BIB, there are plenty of suitable laws on the statute books so why not try enforcing them ?

That would require dedication and a willingness to take responsibility.

[Hawk]

Traffic police ready to provide safety to people during Songkran festival.

Just like they did for the New Year 2016!

[WitawatWatawit]

Quote: "... and awaits an official order from the National Council for Peace and Order."

News update: The official order has just arrived, apparently. Here it is:

Memo to: Traffic Police

From: NCPO

Subject: Do your job

Text of message: Do your job.

Additional instructions: Do your job.

Just to repeat: Do your job.

Message ends.

[StatlerandWaldorf]

Here is, in my opinion, what will actually happen.

1. There will be some tents stationed every 50km or so with a few guys sitting in them reading the newspaper.

2. Occasionally there will be a police roadblock on some major roads to bring to a standstill already bad traffic.

3. The carnage will continue as it does every other day of the year.

That's my prediction.

[quandow]

I whinged about Thailand a LOT over the last year, moved to Mexico, found the grass browner on the other side of the fence, and moved my happy @ss back.

Having said that, Songkran is something I've grown completely weary of. I will go grocery shopping at the 24 Food Mart or Foodland at 4:00 a.m. then hide in my condo. Pattaya/Jomtien are completely out of hand, and what else can you say about a holiday where the main headlines will be "THIS Many People Died Today?"

It started MANY years ago as a very cool holiday steeped in tradition. Now, not so much.

[tomross46]

The best place to go during Songkran, is Bangkok. Sukhumvit very little traffic and no traffic jams.

[Jonmarleesco]

I'll be happy enough with the police if they don't plant a guy at intersections and have traffic back up to Nirvana as opposed to just let the traffic signal do it's job.

'I'll be happy enough with the police if they ... just let the traffic signal do it's job.' You mean the computerised one that is 90% manually controlled?

[Benmart]

"Traffic police or traffic officers, often referred to colloquially as traffic cops, are police officers who direct traffic or serve in a traffic or roads policing unit enforcing rules of the road".

Static checkpoints do not a traffic police unit make. Proactive mobile units, utilizing radar an other means, pulling over and citing violators, seems to be in short supply.

[Thian]

Traffic police ready to provide safety to people during Songkran festival.

Just like they did for the New Year 2016!

Yup. Sitting in tents and playing on the laptop.

And guess what? They even get salary for that!