Thailand's seat limit on passenger vans becomes effective

BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) - A new regulation on limiting the maximum load of no more than 13 passengers per van is effective in Thailand as of April 11, aimed to enhance road safety nationwide. The new regulation has been enforced timely for this year's Songkran or Traditional Thai New Year celebrations, as an exodus of Songkran revellers has begun for a yearly reunion with their families in their hometowns and for festive travels. Under the new regulation, imposed under the tough Article 44 of the Provisional Charter, passenger van operators are legally required to remove excess seats in each van modified to take more than 13 passengers per trip, with any violator to face a fine of 5,000 baht each and a driver's license suspension. (TNA)