The Department of Land Transport coordinates with non-scheduled bus operators to provide extra buses to accommodate people returning home, while also conducting strict 24-hour inspections of public transport vehicles and drivers en route.
Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), revealed that for the 2026 New Year festival, the DLT is prepared with measures to support citizens traveling back to their hometowns or to tourist destinations, aiming to ensure comfort and safe arrival. The goal is to reduce road accidents to zero, in line with government and Ministry of Transport policies. For public transport travel, the DLT has instructed provincial transport offices nationwide to facilitate the public by providing sufficient scheduled and non-scheduled buses to meet travel demand and to ensure safety on both outbound and return trips.
The department has also established a temporary 24-hour Public Transport Passenger Protection Center to receive complaints and prevent passengers from being exploited by public transport services. It organizes order within bus terminals regarding cleanliness and ensures adequate lighting on platforms. Additionally, the operation of CCTV cameras is monitored to function 24/7 for passenger safety. Traffic and vehicle movement are regulated at all bus terminals in Bangkok and provinces, with staff assisting travel connections and reducing crowding at bus and train stations.
Before the festival, the DLT will send staff to inspect readiness at transport operators’ premises, checking vehicle condition and driver preparedness using a checklist. Vehicles must be structurally sound inside and out, equipped with complete safety devices such as seat belts at all seats that are functional, emergency doors unobstructed by seats, fire extinguishers, and glass-breaking hammers. Drivers must hold valid licenses, undergo physical readiness checks, and have breathalyzer tests for alcohol levels. The department also asks freight operators to avoid using trucks during the festival to ease traffic and prevent accidents. If trucks are necessary, operators and drivers must strictly follow DLT safety measures.
During the festival, the DLT will conduct 100% readiness inspections of buses and drivers using checklists at 176 bus terminals, 28 checking points, and 15 rest areas—219 locations nationwide. The department will monitor the speed and travel status of all vehicles through its central and regional GPS traffic management centers 24/7. There is also an automatic alert system via the DLT GPS Notice app to warn drivers to reduce risky behaviors that could cause accidents.
Operators and transport service managers are instructed to ensure safe transport management and to report vehicle and driver readiness before departure through the “Check Sure Ready to Go” system. Drivers are reminded to strictly comply with legal working hour limits: after driving continuously for four hours, they must take a break of at least 30 minutes before driving another maximum of four hours. For non-scheduled buses traveling over 400 kilometers continuously, operators must provide two drivers alternating every four hours. Vehicles must also be inspected at Checking Points by DLT staff for safety assurance.
The Director-General added that the DLT has collaborated with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission and local vocational schools to establish 150 joint service points nationwide under the “Vocational-Transport Volunteer Assistance: New Year Festival 2026” initiative. These points provide basic vehicle condition inspections to enhance safety.
They also offer emergency assistance to travelers, towing services in some areas, massage services for relaxation, cold towels, drinking water, tourist information, and lists of available repair shops. The DLT warns all public transport operators and drivers to strictly comply with land transport, motor vehicle, and traffic laws when serving the public. Violations will face the maximum penalties.
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