Doi Lo, Thailand – Local authorities in the Doi Lo district of Chiang Mai prepared a package of measures to improve road safety during Songkran 2026, focusing on tighter controls on alcohol sales and protection of people under 20.
Road Safety Operations Center meeting
On 3 April 2026, district chief Preecha Sirinam chaired the first 2026 meeting of the Doi Lo District Road Safety Operations Center at the Doi Lo District Office. Representatives of relevant agencies and department heads attended, including Weerawiwat Bamrungphanit from the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (Hot branch), to explain the guidelines.
During the meeting, orders and directives from the Road Safety Administration Center were announced. Participants discussed concrete ways to reduce accidents during the upcoming festival period.
Four guidelines for the Songkran period
The body adopted four guidelines to be applied in practice during the Songkran holidays. These guidelines were intended to coordinate the work of all responsible agencies and create a unified framework for road safety measures.
A key focus was full and accurate recording of all traffic accident data during Songkran 2026, so that every unit would work with consistent information. The data were to be compiled in a coordinated way and reported to superiors daily by 12:00.
Strict alcohol and youth protection controls
Relevant authorities were urged to strictly enforce laws on the control of alcoholic beverages, alcohol legislation and the Child Protection Act B.E. 2003. Particular attention was to be given to children and young people under 20 years of age.
Young people under 20 were to be firmly prevented from using services in entertainment and service establishments. Sales and serving of alcohol were to take place only within the legal hours set by Thai law.
Checkpoints and integrated field controls
To prevent accidents, measures were announced for joint, integrated checkpoints to be deployed in affected areas. These checkpoints were intended to bring together the work of different services in one location.
In addition, teams were to provide services and assistance to residents in the respective Tambon (subdistrict) areas. This included on-the-spot support during the high‑risk holiday period.
Timely road repairs, signage and warning lights
Responsible agencies were instructed to improve and repair road surfaces ahead of the festival. Clear road signs were to be installed to help road users recognise danger spots in time.
Warning lights were also to be used for better visibility on critical sections. The restoration of normal traffic conditions was to be accelerated before the start of the Songkran festival to minimise disruption and reduce accident risks.