Authorities set up facility centres for Songkran revellers

BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) - As Songkran celebrants have continued leaving Bangkok for a reunion with their relatives in upcountry or for holidaymaking, officials have set up facility centres in the capital and provincial areas, aimed at reducing road accidents and providing conveniences to them. As Songkran or the Traditional Thai New Year Festival is officially set from next Monday to Wednesday, celebrants have started travelling since Friday (Apr 10), causing traffic jams in the capital and outlying areas. Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra told journalists while inspecting the traffic situation in the capital on Saturday (Apr 11) that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up six centres to facilitate people leaving Bangkok for upcountry. The governor said the centres provide free car checking, medical care and the condition of car drivers. The Royal Thai Air Force and the Royal Thai Army have also set up centres nationwide to provide free car engine inspection, water and coffee, and first medical aid 24 hours. (TNA)