Thai police to set up more checkpoints during Songkran

BANGKOK, April 7 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered police to set up more road checkpoints nationwide during the upcoming traditional Thai New year or Songkran Festival; while motorcyclists and passengers are also urged to wear safety helmets. Yingluck suggested during her weekly address Saturday that motorists should refrain from speed driving and alcohol consumption while driving during the annual water-splashing festival, officially falls from April 13-15. The Thai premier's remarks were aimed to reduce road accidents which had killed and injured hundreds of drivers and passengers during the annual Songkran festivity nationwide over the past several years. The prime minister said that details of the nationwide anti-drunk driving campaign will be announced to the public on April 11, when a large number of people start traveling to enjoy their Songkran long-holiday. On April 13, which is also Thailand's Elderly Day, the Pheu Thai premier insisted that her administration has a welfare policy to fully take care of the elderly, namely a plan on raising their monthly allowance, encouraging all Thais to be reunion with their family members, including their elderly parents and relatives, during the annual Songkran Festival. Meanwhile, the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation in the Thai North has organized a fair to honour the elderly on the occasion of the week of senior citizens, opened by the organization's president Ratana Jongsuthanamanee at the Chiang Rai Stadium in the Muang Chiang Rai municipality. At the fair, there are ceremonies to pay respect to and to boost the morale of the elderly and honour 150 outstanding senior citizens. The event is also intended to raise public awareness on the past contributions of senior citizens to the Thai society, including their support for national peace and development, as well as cultural preservation. Over 2,800 senior citizens in Chiang Rai, including hill tribal people, attended Friday's opening ceremony of the fair. (TNA)