During the onset of the extended national holiday period in Thailand, a drastic increase in road accidents was noted with 2,000 individuals being injured and 22 resulting in fatalities, according to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) reports. The uptick in traffic violations was attributed to the significant surge in road traffic from urban areas to the hinterlands, often observed annually during the prolonged weekend. This year, the holiday period stretches from July 28 to August 2, as stated by Deputy National Police Chief and Commander of RTP’s Traffic Police Operation Centre, General Roy Ingkapairote.
The statistics for July 28 details 1,871 reported injuries and 22 deaths, with most occurrences related to over-speeding. This was trailed by driving under the influence, reckless lane switching, and overtaking in hazardous circumstances. The general drew emphasis on the importance of vehicular condition and route familiarity to mitigate the rise in accidents during the holiday rush.
Police records further indicated that 157 individuals were apprehended for driving while intoxicated on the first day of the holiday. As reiterated by the RTP’s National Police Chief Office Commander, Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chintakanon, Thai law regulates the blood alcohol content to a maximum of 50 milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL). Overstepping this limit will consequently result in drunk driving charges.
Unlicensed minors found guilty of exceeding the breath alcohol concentration of 20 mg/dL can face penalties. The Lieutenant General warned of potential sentences, with first-time offenders subjected to imprisonment or a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 baht. Repeat offenders within two years of their initial violation could face fines from 50,000 to 100,000 baht and mandatory court attendance.
In light of the holiday, the state-owned Transport Co noted transporting 58,000 individuals back to their hometowns from Bangkok on July 28 using more than 1,000 inter-provincial buses. The company’s president, Sanyalux Panwattanalikit, projects around 50,735 individuals will make their way back to the capital on August 2 via nearly 8,000 trips. He assured that all commuters would have transportation for their return journey, and no one will be left behind at bus stations or coach stops.
The President forecasts the city’s population to begin returning from the holiday between August 2-3. Consequently, the transportation company plans to provide approximately 3,500 rides per day, accommodating an estimated 35,000 passengers daily. To manage this surge, the transport company has taken the initiative to collaborate with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and Taxi Association to provide transit services at the primary bus terminals in the capital.
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