Songkhla: Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Chan-o-cha inaugurated service points nationwide for the 2026 Songkran festival in Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province. The initiative aims to upgrade service standards and add 309 rest stops across the country. He emphasized that the Department of Land Transport and the Bus Terminal Authority (BTA) will maintain current fares and urged operators to refrain from raising prices to avoid taking advantage of the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, visited Songkhla Province to preside over the opening of the "Nationwide Service Point" for the Songkran Festival 2026 at the Songkhla Weighing Station in Rattaphum District. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Highways, Songkhla Highway District 1, and partner agencies to upgrade service standards and ensure safety for road users in all aspects. Also present were Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport; Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaishal, Director-General of the Department of Highways; Mr. Sangkom Kerkor, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province; Mr. Pairoj Srilamul, District Chief of Rattaphum; along with executives from the Department of Highways, heads of government agencies, local leaders, and the people of Songkhla.
On this occasion, Mr. Pipat also presided over the launch of a campaign for safe travel during the Songkran festival and distributed beverages to motorists before participating in the ritual of pouring water over a Buddha statue for good fortune during the Thai New Year. Following this, executives from the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Highways joined in the traditional water-pouring ceremony to seek blessings from the presiding official. They then toured service points across Thailand, met with and encouraged staff, and closely monitored the readiness of facilities and safety measures for the public throughout the festival.
Mr. Pipat said that the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is concerned about the safety of people's travel during the Songkran festival and has therefore upgraded facilities and safety measures as a special measure, by assigning the Ministry of Transport to integrate all agencies to manage traffic and intensively reduce accident risks throughout the festive season. This year, the Department of Highways has increased the number of rest areas from 179 to 309 nationwide by an additional 130 points to accommodate long-distance travelers who can safely stop and rest. All rest areas are adequately lit, provide drinking water, and have local security personnel on duty 24 hours a day to ensure traveler safety. Drivers are reminded to drive cautiously and take at least 30-minute breaks after driving for four consecutive hours to ensure their own safety and the safety of other road users.
Regarding concerns about the impact of rising fuel prices on public transport fares, Mr. Pipat confirmed that the Department of Land Transport and the Transport Company Limited (BKS) have frozen fares throughout the Songkran festival to avoid affecting the public. Those who have already purchased tickets or are about to travel can still buy tickets at the original price. He also instructed all operators to refrain from arbitrarily increasing fares. Any violations, especially by unauthorized van or public transport operators who have not been permitted to adjust fares, will be dealt with strictly according to the law. Operators are also requested to consult with the Department of Land Transport before making any fare adjustments.
Mr. Pipat added that following the special cabinet meeting on April 11th, the government is preparing to consider measures to assist and alleviate the impact on vulnerable groups, including the transportation sector, comprising trucks, buses, and interprovincial transport systems, to mitigate the effects of rising energy costs.
Finally, we extend our best wishes to all Thai and foreign tourists, urging them to travel with caution, not to drive when drowsy or intoxicated. If you feel tired, please stop and rest at one of the 309 designated rest areas or at well-equipped gas stations for the safety of your life, property, and fellow travelers. We also wish everyone a happy, safe, and joyful journey home and during their Songkran holiday, ensuring they arrive at their destinations safely.