BANGKOK - Thailand has rolled out toll waivers and other travel measures for the Songkran festival to ease travel costs and improve safety, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urging the public to avoid drink-driving during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the Transport Ministry has announced a temporary waiver of toll fees on several expressways to ease the financial burden on travellers and reduce traffic congestion.
"Songkran is a peak travel period when many Thais return home to reunite with their families, but rising fuel prices have increased travel costs, prompting some to adjust their plans,” she said in a statement on Friday.
The Burapha Withi Expressway and Kanchanaphisek Expressway (Bang Phli-Suksawat) will be toll-free from April 10 to 16, while the Udon Ratthaya, Si Rat and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways will be exempted from April 13 to 15.
Motorists will also be able to use major motorways free of charge for seven days from April 10 to 16. These include the M7 route linking Bangkok, Chonburi, Pattaya and Map Ta Phut, the M9 Bangkok Outer Ring Road, and the M81 Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi route.
"These measures reflect the government’s intention to reduce travel costs and ensure public safety, so that Songkran remains a joyful occasion for all,” she said.
Ratchada said Anutin, who also serves as Interior Minister, expressed concern over the safety of travellers as many people have already begun returning to their hometowns for the festive period.
"He (Anutin) reiterated the message ‘Don’t drink and drive’ and instructed all relevant agencies to facilitate travel and ensure public safety to the fullest extent,” she said.
Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, will be observed from April 13 to 15 and is marked by family reunions, paying respects to elders and ancestors, and the cleansing of Buddha images.
The UNESCO-recognised festival is also a highlight of the tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to take part in lively water-splashing celebrations that showcase local culture and heritage. - BERNAMA