Prime Minister Anutin Chaarnvirakul has launched a nationwide safety campaign ahead of the Songkran festival, emphasizing road safety and easing travel burdens for citizens. The initiative, announced on April 10, 2026, focuses on a seven-day period of heightened safety measures, running from April 10-16, 2026.
Road Safety Focus
Speaking before attending a meeting at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Prime Minister Anutin urged citizens to prioritize safety on the roads with a simple message: “เมาไม่ขับ ดื่มไม่ขับ ขับไม่ดื่ม” – meaning “don’t drive drunk, don’t drink and drive, don’t drive after drinking.” He similarly highlighted the importance of carpooling as a means of conserving energy.
Easing Travel Costs
The government, through the Ministry of Transport, is implementing measures to alleviate travel expenses and congestion during the festival. These include toll waivers on the Buraphavithi and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat) expressways from April 10-16, 2026, and on the Udon Ratthaya, Sri Ratch, and Chalerm Mahanakorn expressways from April 13-15, 2026.
access to several motorways will be free for seven days, from April 10-16, 2026, including routes M7 (Bangkok–Chonburi–Pattaya–Map Ta Phut), M9 (Outer Ring Road of Bangkok), and M81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi). Trial runs with free access will also be offered on the new M6 (Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima) route to ease traffic on the Mitraphap Road, and on the M82 (Bang Khun Thian–Ekachai) route, a 10-kilometer stretch designed to alleviate congestion on Rama 2 Road leading to the southern region.
According to Rachada Thanadirek, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, the government is mindful of citizens beginning their Songkran travels and is committed to facilitating their journeys safely and conveniently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates will tolls be waived on the Buraphavithi and Kanchanaphisek expressways?
Tolls will be waived on the Buraphavithi and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat) expressways from April 10–16, 2026.
Which motorways will be free to use during Songkran?
Motorways M7, M9, and M81 will be free to use from April 10–16, 2026. M6 and M82 will offer free access during the same period.
What message did the Prime Minister share regarding road safety?
The Prime Minister urged citizens to remember “เมาไม่ขับ ดื่มไม่ขับ ขับไม่ดื่ม” – “don’t drive drunk, don’t drink and drive, don’t drive after drinking.”
As families prepare to travel and celebrate Songkran, will these measures be enough to ensure a safe and joyful holiday for all?
