As Thailand gears up for the Songkran Festival, the Department of Land Transport is implementing a series of safety measures to ensure a smooth travel experience for the millions expected to hit the roads. From April 11 to April 17, 2025, the department is conducting inspections at 169 service points across the country, including 16 rest areas and 28 checking points, aimed at preventing road accidents during the festive period.
Mr. Jirut Wisanjit, the Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, announced these initiatives during a press briefing, emphasizing the importance of vehicle and driver readiness. "We anticipate a significant number of people traveling back to their hometowns or visiting tourist destinations during this year's Songkran Festival," he stated. The department is keen on ensuring that public transport operators adhere to strict safety protocols before embarking on their journeys.
According to the guidelines, operators are required to follow a comprehensive checklist that includes verifying the condition of vehicle tires, ensuring that drivers are not fatigued, and conducting alcohol level checks to maintain a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. The department is committed to reducing accidents to a minimum by urging vehicle operators to remain vigilant and responsible.
On April 16, 2025, inspections revealed that out of 15,691 public transport vehicles checked, only 12 were found to be faulty. These vehicles were promptly flagged for repairs to ensure passenger safety. Additionally, all drivers were reported to have met the necessary qualifications and standards.
The Department of Land Transport is also enhancing its monitoring capabilities through a GPS Tracking system. As of now, 49,145 vehicles are equipped with this technology, allowing the department to track their movements and speed. Alarmingly, 174 vehicles were reported for exceeding the legal speed limits, highlighting the need for continuous oversight.
Furthermore, the department is addressing public complaints regarding service quality. A total of 21 complaints have been received, with the top three issues being impolite behavior from drivers, reckless driving, and failure to stop at designated bus stops. The department is actively pursuing investigations into these complaints to ensure accountability and improve service standards.
In related news, the Committee on Corruption Prevention and Suppression (KPP) is set to summon the Governor of the State Audit Office (SAO) on April 30, 2025, to explain the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a new building constructed for the SAO in Chatuchak, Bangkok. This building, which cost over 2 billion baht, was reportedly built without parliamentary approval and has raised concerns regarding transparency in the procurement process.
Mr. Chalad Khamsuwan, a member of the KPP and a representative from the Pheu Thai Party, voiced his concerns over the use of public funds in the construction project. He stated, "We need to investigate whether there was any corruption involved in the construction of this building and whether the materials used met the required standards." The committee is also looking into the procurement of 2,000 analog phones purchased for over 13.6 million baht, questioning their necessity in an era dominated by mobile technology.
On the same day, the KPP will also invite the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry to provide insights on construction material standards, particularly in light of suspicions that substandard materials may have contributed to the building's collapse. Mr. Chalad emphasized that if it were not for this tragic incident, these issues might have remained hidden from public scrutiny.
As the investigations unfold, the KPP is poised to take action against any civil servants found to be involved in corrupt practices. "If we discover any wrongdoing, we will refer the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action," Mr. Chalad affirmed.
In the meantime, the Department of Land Transport continues to encourage the public to report any issues encountered while using public transport through their 24-hour hotline, 1584. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and ensure that the needs of passengers are addressed promptly.
As Thailand prepares for the Songkran Festival, the focus remains on safety and transparency in public transport and government projects. With the ongoing inspections and investigations, authorities are determined to uphold the highest standards for the benefit of all citizens.
