>> Revellers will be allowed to use fireworks and firecrackers to see in the new year tonight, after pyrotechnics were forbidden last year as part of the mourning period for the late King Bhumibol.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) said people may use firecrackers and fireworks between 11pm tonight and 1am tomorrow, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said.
In Bangkok, the public can light firecrackers without permission from district offices while those in upcountry provinces do not need to notify local administrative agencies, Lt Gen Sansern said.
Nevertheless, firecrackers must have a maximum diameter of 30cm and the release of such items must not disturb the public or jeopardise public safety.
The use of firecrackers, however, is not allowed near royal residences, fuel depots or stations, hospitals or airports, according to the order.
The release of floating lanterns and bang fai -- a traditional homemade bamboo rocket -- or similar objects are restricted in compliance with the NCPO's order issued on June 10, 2016.
Under that order, the release of firecrackers, fireworks, lanterns and bang fai must be authorised by authorities who supervise areas where the items will be used.
Meanwhile, employees travelling nationwide to celebrate the New Year holidays have been advised to plan their return trips carefully, so as not to face delays in returning to work.
Those who are absent from work for three consecutive days could face dismissal without compensation from employers, said Ananchai Uthaipattanachep, director-general of the Labour Protection and Welfare Department.
For the first two days (Dec 28-29) of the so-called "seven dangerous days" of New Year road travel, a total of 1,107 people have been placed on probation for traffic offences.
Tawatchai Thaikyo, deputy permanent secretary for justice, said 727, or 65.67%, of these offenders have been convicted of in drink-driving; 336, or 30.05%, have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs; 43, or 3.88%, had committed reckless driving; and one, 0.09%, was convicted of speeding.
The state probation offices with the highest number of drink-driving cases are Bangkok, which oversaw 70 cases; followed by Surin (48 cases); Maha Sarakham (45 cases), Nonthaburi (36 cases); and Chachoengsao (24 cases).
These offenders are required to report to probation officials as per court order, and will be assigned community service activities, such as taking care of road-accident victims at hospitals coordinating with the department.
The first two days of this year's "seven dangerous days" have reported about 20% fewer road deaths than in the same period a year ago, officials said.
Statistics for Friday showed 576 road accidents, 49 deaths and 609 injuries, up from the day before but down from the corresponding day in 2016.
The cumulative death toll of 92 for the first two days is 23 fewer than in the same period a year ago, officials said.
Drink-driving caused 42% of the accidents reported on Friday, and speeding 23%. Motorcycles were involved in 78% of the accidents, and the most common time for accidents was between 4pm and 8pm.
The Transport Ministry said earlier that it hoped improved enforcement would reduce the number of road accidents and deaths during the New Year holidays this year by at least 5%.
Traffic checkpoints have been set up in accident-prone areas nationwide.
Drivers must have a blood-alcohol concentration of less than 50 mg/dL.
Violators would face one year in jail or a maximum fine of 20,000 baht, or both.