Chiang mai: People are gradually returning home after Songkran; all flights are fully booked. On the last day of the Songkran long weekend, people in northern and northeastern Thailand are gradually returning to work. Bus tickets are completely sold out, and transportation is bustling. Strict checks are being conducted on both people and vehicles for safety.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at Chiang Mai Provincial Bus Terminal 3 in Wat Ket Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, was bustling throughout the afternoon as Chiang Mai residents and tourists alike arrived with their luggage to board buses returning to work in Bangkok. Most had booked tickets in advance to secure seats and guarantee their travel dates and times to get back to work on time.
A vehicle inspection officer from Chiang Mai Transport indicated that people and tourists are gradually returning to work. They expect a large number of passengers in the evening and night because all tickets are fully booked. Transport has added 10-20 percent more bus trips, but many people are likely to take leave on April 16th and 17th to spend the rest of the week with their families and avoid traffic congestion. They anticipate another surge in passengers on Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th.
For safety reasons, the Provincial Transport Office dispatches officers to inspect every passenger bus, checking the condition of tires, lighting, the passenger compartment, the readiness of fire extinguishers, glass-breaking equipment, and seat belts before departure. All drivers must also undergo alcohol testing and a physical fitness test to ensure passenger safety.
Khon Kaen's transportation hub is similarly bustling with people waiting to travel back to Bangkok. The Khon Kaen Provincial Bus Terminal 3 was bustling with people returning to Bangkok. Most passengers planned to depart today to avoid traffic problems and to rest before working tomorrow.
One of the passengers mentioned that they traveled back to their hometown on April 7th. This year, they decided to use public buses instead of driving their own car due to the economic situation, rising fuel prices, and the extremely hot weather, making bus travel more convenient and safer.
Meanwhile, the Khon Kaen Provincial Transport Office has set up a checkpoint at Bus Terminal 3 to inspect the readiness of buses and drivers, and to measure alcohol levels for passenger safety.
Traffic on Mittraphap Road in Khon Kaen Province, heading towards Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is moving smoothly. However, Khon Kaen is an important transit route for vehicles distributing to various provinces. Traffic is expected to become heavier from Mueang and Phon districts onwards to Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Furthermore, some areas still have people celebrating Songkran along the roadside, so motorists should exercise extra caution while traveling.