Songkran: Only four people to be allowed in back of pick-ups. ASEAN Now



Picture Thai Rath

 

Thai Rath reported on comments made by the chief of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat yesterday regarding the election and the Songkran holidays.

 

It will be the chief's first Songkran in charge next month and he has addressed a perennial concern - the public riding dangerously in the back of pick-ups.

 

Each year sometimes a dozen or more people ride in the back of the vehicles splashing water amd the mayhem that is the traditional Thai New Year holidays.

 

Pre-pandemic a ban was ordered, but the RTP in their infinite wisdom decided not to do anything about it, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

This year as Covid has been declared endemic and many people are expected to return to their homes upcountry Damrongsak addressed the situation.

 

He said that a meeting had been held and it was decided to allow people to ride in the back of pick-ups.

But only four at a time.

 

They would also have to stick to the left and not hog the right lane by barriers.

 

File photo for reference only

 

Damrongsak also said that everything would be done over the so-called "Seven Deadly Days" to ensure the safety of the public.

 

This would entail checkpoints concentrating on catching drink drivers, a cornerstone of government policy.

 

Damrongsak also spoke about the upcoming general election on May 14th saying that he had ordered all sections of the RTP to look into the possibility of violence in the lead up to voting.

 

He expected things to be better than in previous elections when it comes to violence but expected the election laws to be flouted by certain influential groups.

 

He has urged the RTP to maintain neutrality and be cautious about breaking the election law themselves.

 

A special command center to deal with potential trouble at the election is expected to be set up.