Service points set up to support road safety during Songkran Festival

BANGKOK, April 4 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Labour’s Department of Skill Development has set up service points offering vehicle services, covering check-ups and repairs, for Songkran revelers, as part of the government's road safety campaign during the traditional Thai New Year festivity nationwide. The department's director-general Prapan Montakarntiwong said that a large number of Thai people are returning to their hometowns during the upcoming traditional Thai New Year holiday, between April 12-15, so, prior to the Songkran Festival or between April 1-10, motorists can use the services at provincial institutes for skill development across the country and during the festival, or between April 11-17, at roadside service points set up by his department, where refreshing towels and cold beverages are also be provided. Prapan acknowledged that officials stationed at each service point will also give motorists basic instructions about vehicle check-ups and what to do when problems occur to their vehicle. According to official statistics released by the Ministry of Interior's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, some 3,215 road accidents occurred during the seven dangerous days of the Songkran Festival 2011, killing 271 people and injuring 3,476 people. (TNA)