Pol. Gen. Thatchai, Deputy National Police Chief, personally inspected the security arrangements at Khaosan and Silom streets, affirming that the Songkran festival is safe and that the area can efficiently accommodate visitors, allowing them to enjoy their trip with confidence.
On 14 April 2026, Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (Crime Suppression Division), visited the site to inspect the police officers' performance in maintaining security for the Songkran festival on Khaosan Road and Silom Road in Bangkok.
At 2:00 p.m., Pol. Gen. Thatchai, accompanied by Pol. Lt. Gen. Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Pongsayam Meekhanthong, Deputy Commissioner of Tourist Police, Pol. Col. Ekphop Tanprayoon and Pol. Col. Kamphon Rattanaprateep, Deputy Commanders of Metropolitan Police Division 1, and Pol. Col. Nipon Nitikarnlert, Superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, went to Khaosan Road. They held a briefing at the joint security command center for the Songkran festival at Khaosan Road.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai revealed that Khaosan Road attracts many Thai and foreign tourists. Overall, the event since yesterday has proceeded smoothly, with over 76,000 participants. He expects the number of visitors to remain high continuously and confirmed that the area can effectively accommodate them.
Regarding security measures, a Service Lane has been set up for personnel transport, emergency vehicles, and ambulances to respond promptly to urgent situations. Additionally, technology supports operations, such as drones monitoring crowd density, 66 CCTV cameras, and a public address system along the road to disseminate announcements from the joint command center widely.
Moreover, there are screening points equipped with facial recognition systems to prevent wanted individuals from infiltrating and causing incidents. Forces from the Metropolitan Police, Tourist Police, Immigration Police, and the Six Man Team operational unit have been integrated to enforce strict security.
On this occasion, Pol. Gen. Thatchai observed a demonstration of the Tourist Police's mobile vehicle and AI camera system, which supports security operations by analyzing images and monitoring situations in real time, enhancing the effectiveness of tourist protection in key areas.
Later, at 4:30 p.m., Pol. Gen. Thatchai and his team proceeded to inspect the Songkran festival arrangements on Silom Road, where they were welcomed by Pol. Lt. Gen. Charin Kopattana, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Wimwat Chinkam, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5.
The Deputy Police Chief stated that this year's Songkran festival on Silom Road attracted significant public and tourist interest. On 12 April, over 144,000 people attended, and on 13 April, the number peaked at 220,844. Throughout the event, police officers have fully ensured safety and facilitated convenience.
Screening checkpoints, Service Lanes, and 115 CCTV cameras linked to the joint command center have been established to manage the situation in real time, resulting in smooth operations over the past two days.
During this inspection, Pol. Gen. Thatchai walked along Khaosan and Silom roads, greeting tourists amid a lively and friendly atmosphere. He reaffirmed confidence by stating, “Songkran is safe; you can enjoy without worry,” under the close supervision of police and related agencies operating 24 hours a day.