BANGKOK, DEC 27 (TNA) – Migrant workers and New Year revellers in Thailand make early departure from Bangkok on their journeys to
tourist spots and hometown to avoid traffic congestions during the New Year
holidays.
The New Year exodus started early ahead of official New Year
holiday which begins on Saturday, prompting traffic police and highway
authorities to implement measures to facilitate traveling and ensure safety.
Major interprovincial highways linking Bangkok with the
North and Northeast on Wednesday saw millions of motorists heading out of the
capital city.
In Chainat, a province north of Bangkok, highway officers
have been deployed to enforce strict traffic regulations.
It is one of the busiest times of the year for public
transport services. Train service by
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will provide extra trains to facilitate New
Year travelers.
Phichit Train Station chief Sombat Chaiyo said north-bound
trains had been fully booked for the coming New Year weekend. The SRT planned to put two additional trains
each day to meet the growing number of passengers, he said.
Meanwhile, Thai Health Promotion Foundation and coalition
networks staged a public campaign against giving alcohol as New Year gifts at
Victory Monument.
Acting Director of the Foundation Rung-arun Limlahaphan said
drink and drive was the main cause of road fatalities in Thailand. During holiday periods, Thailand had seen an
average of 87 road deaths daily, she said.
This campaign urging people to refrain from giving alcohol
for New Year had proved successful after it was launched 10 years ago, she
said. (TNA)
