Bangkok: The Commissioner General of Police has awarded his subordinates a perfect score for their exceptional handling of public safety during the Songkran festival.

According to Thai News Agency, the National Police Chief, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, praised the officers for ensuring a safe celebration, with statistics indicating a notable decrease in drunk driving arrests and accidents. Despite the limited number of officers, which may have led to some harassment incidents, the rigorous enforcement of the law resulted in numerous arrests.

The National Police Chief remarked that the overall care provided to the public during the festival was commendable, with a reduction in accidents and fatalities. Commanding officers played a crucial role by visiting different areas to monitor and motivate officers on duty. A significant decrease in traffic accidents was noted, although motorcycles were primarily involved. The high enforcement of traffic laws led to numerous arrests for offenses such as not wearing helmets and speeding.

The Commissioner General also mentioned the continued management of expressways connecting the city, following a traffic assessment conducted by helicopter. While it was expected that many would travel out of the city, over 300,000 vehicles were recorded on April 11th alone. The police effectively managed the situation, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.

Regarding the festivities, those who behaved disrespectfully during the water celebrations were prosecuted. The police's diligent efforts in traffic management and maintaining public order were praised. Lessons learned from previous periods, such as the New Year, were applied during Songkran, leading to a significant decrease in drunk driving arrests through strategic checkpoints and roadblocks.

Pol. Gen. Kittirat expressed his gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of all officers, acknowledging that while some mistakes may have occurred due to the nature of the work, the overall operation was a success. He emphasized the importance of police engaging with the public during water fights to foster a sense of community.

Addressing incidents of harassment during the festival, Pol. Gen. Kittirat noted that limited resources in areas with large gatherings can lead to violations. He stressed the importance of strict law enforcement and vigilance against inappropriate behavior, which resulted in numerous arrests during the festival.