BANGKOK, Dec 27 (TNA) – Thailand’s transport authorities are bracing for a significant surge in travel as the New Year holiday approaches, with airports, train stations, and bus terminals preparing for a large influx of passengers.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) expects Suvarnabhumi Airport to handle over 200,000 passengers per day during the festive period. To ensure smooth operations, AOT has increased staff deployment at key service points, including assistance with self-check-in kiosks and automated baggage drop. Passengers are also encouraged to register for biometric facial recognition for faster processing.
AOT executives, including President Keerati Kijmanawat and Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittipong Kittikachorn, inspected facilities and services at the airport to ensure readiness.
Security measures have been intensified, with increased patrols and emphasis on passenger service. AOT is also collaborating with government agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders to provide efficient and safe travel.
In a gesture of goodwill, AOT distributed travel kits to departing passengers at the airport.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) anticipates peak outbound travel today, with approximately 100,000 passengers nationwide and around 10,000 departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
SRT has increased train services by four, adding routes to the northeastern provinces including Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.
The Transport Co., Ltd. the interprovincial bus operator, expects its busiest day with an estimated 120,000 passengers using around 5,000-6,000 bus trips. BKS has also arranged nearly 1,000 additional non-regular buses to accommodate the increased demand.
The company has announced a change in departure point for some routes. Passengers with tickets for northern and northeastern routes departing after 6:00 PM on December 27-28 will depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Gate 2. Passengers are advised to arrive early and check their tickets for departure points and platform numbers.
Meanwhile, road traffic heading towards the northeastern region has begun to build up, particularly on Mittraphap Road. Traffic is heavy from Muak Lek district, Saraburi province, through the Isan gateway in Pak Chong district. Traffic is moving at 70-100 km/h with some slowdowns at fruit stalls along the route as people stop to purchase goods. Highway police in Nakhon Ratchasima are prepared to facilitate traffic flow.
Traffic on Asian Highway and Kanchanaphisek Ring Road is currently smooth, though traffic on Phahonyothin Road heading northeast is experiencing some congestion. -819 (TNA)
