The army will set up 356 "public service" spots in front of military camps and on major roads to regulate traffic and reduce accidents during the Songkran holidays, army deputy spokesperson Col Sirichan Ngathong said on Tuesday.
She said each of the spots will serve as both rest areas and information centres from April 8-18. They will take and distribute information on emergencies and accidents, as well as traffic congestion in various localities.
Col Sirichan said Gen Theerachai Nakwanich, the army chief, had ordered all personnel manning the stations to strictly enforce drink-driving laws and impound the vehicles of intoxicated drivers.
Pol Maj Gen Somchai Kaosamran, commander of the Highway Police Division, said his division and the Highways Department produced a manual containing information on short cuts and bypasses in order to help reduce traffic congestion.
Copies of the manual will be distributed to motorists between April 7-17.
He said there are 47 areas of concern for traffic, particularly the Bang Pa-in interchange in Ayutthaya. Travellers are advised to seek out shortcuts along their planned routes.
For exmple, motorists leaving Bangkok for the North may opt for the Udon Rathaya expressway to travel through Bang Sai district of Ayutthaya to meet the Asian Highway at Bang Pahan district. They may can opt for Highway 345 instead of Phahon Yothin highway, Pol Maj Gen Somchai said.
Motorists heading for the Northeast are advised to take HIghway 9 to Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya, or take Highway 304 through Chachoengsao province.