The Transport Ministry of Thailand on Thursday announced a series of measures to facilitate travel during the five-day New Year holidays (December 28 – January 1) and to ensure public safety.

The ministry anticipates approximately 17.37 million personal vehicles will move in and out of the Bangkok metropolitan area during this period, while over 17 million trips are expected to be made using public transport, including buses, vans, trains, boats, and airplanes.

The measures include the following:

1. Measures for Personal Vehicles
Motorists are advised to use secondary routes to ease congestion on primary roads. Recommended routes include Highway No. 32 (Ang Thong–Sing Buri), Highway No. 1 (Wang Noi–Nong Khae), Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit), Bangna-Trat Road, and Highway No. 338 (Pinklao–Nakhonchaisi).
Drivers are urged not to stop vehicles on the hard shoulder.
Coordination with courier service providers to suspend operations during the New Year holiday period.
Restrictions on truck usage on certain roads from December 27–29 and January 1–2.

2. Measures for Public Transport
All relevant agencies must strictly enforce traffic rules and implement measures to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
Drivers and conductors are required to pass alcohol tests and ensure they are physically fit.
Public transport vehicles must undergo inspections before operation, and real-time GPS monitoring will track speed limits and driving behavior.
Passengers will be educated on safety protocols and emergency evacuation procedures.
Airlines must promptly notify passengers of their options and compensation in case of delayed flights.
The State Railway of Thailand will station officials at unguarded railway crossings to prevent accidents.
Agencies must ensure that lighting and CCTV systems are fully operational at all times.

3. Measures for Countdown Events in Bangkok
Coordination with the Royal Thai Police and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to maintain smooth traffic flow and public safety during countdown events, particularly when people head home afterward.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will extend bus operating hours for routes passing countdown events and New Year religious ceremonies until 2 a.m. Locations include CentralWorld, One Bangkok, IconSiam, Sanam Luang, Wat Pho, Wat Saket, and Wat Rai Khing.

MRT trains and parking facilities will remain operational until 2 a.m. on December 31 and January 1. The Red Line urban train will also operate until 2 a.m. on December 31.

Source: The Nation