Songkran road safety plan set for Hua Hin
A Songkran road safety plan has been put in place in Hua Hin ahead of the holiday period, with officials meeting this week to coordinate measures aimed at reducing accidents and improving road conditions across the city.
The meeting, held on 8 April at Hua Hin City Municipality, was chaired by Deputy Mayor Sanphop Ungrassamee, acting on behalf of the mayor. It brought together representatives from local government departments, emergency services and volunteer organisations to align efforts during the annual festival, which typically sees a sharp increase in road traffic and accidents.
Among those in attendance were Municipal Clerk Jeerawat Phrommanee, Civil Defence Volunteers Chairman Preecha Yoofuk, Head of the Municipal Office Siam Sombatthong, and Settha Chan-at from the Prachuap Khiri Khan Highway District, along with representatives from the Sawang Hua Hin Thammasathan Foundation.
Focus on enforcement and high-risk areas
Officials said the Songkran road safety plan will be implemented under the campaign “Drive safely, reduce speed, reduce accidents,” with strict enforcement during the so-called “seven dangerous days” from 10 to 16 April.
A public service checkpoint will be set up on Phetkasem Road near Hua Hin Soi 1/2, where authorities will focus on drink-driving enforcement, speed control, helmet and seatbelt use, and alcohol testing.
The meeting also highlighted several accident-prone locations in Hua Hin that will see targeted improvements.
On the road in front of Hua Hin Provincial Court, where vehicles frequently park on both sides and restrict traffic flow, an odd-even parking system will be introduced. On Hua Hin Soi 112, a known accident blackspot, flashing warning lights will be installed to improve visibility for drivers both during the day and at night.
Pedestrian safety will also be addressed, with clearer road markings to be added at the crossing between Night Market 1 and Night Market 2, an area popular with tourists and often congested in the evenings.
Temporary road closures are planned around Hua Hin–Huay Mongkol Soi 11 during Songkran, with further details to be announced.
In addition to traffic measures, Hua Hin City Municipality will host Songkran celebrations on 12 and 13 April at Phon Kingphet Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road. Activities will include traditional performances, religious ceremonies and processions, with municipal officers and Civil Defence Volunteers assigned to oversee public safety during water play activities.
Authorities said the Songkran road safety plan is being implemented as part of wider efforts to reduce casualties during one of Thailand’s busiest travel periods. Residents and visitors have been urged to follow traffic laws, avoid drink-driving, wear helmets and seatbelts, and ensure vehicles are in safe condition before travelling.
Officials also advised drivers to avoid using mobile phones while driving and to take regular breaks if fatigued, in an effort to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer journeys throughout the holiday period.
