Deputy Transport Minister Samphet visited the Southern Bus Terminal to inspect travel readiness during the Songkran festival, enforcing strict safety controls for passengers at all stations.
On 10 April 2026, Mr. Samphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Borommaratchachonnani), known as the Southern Terminal, to monitor preparations for providing services to the public traveling back to their hometowns during the Songkran festival, especially those heading to the southern routes.
The visit included Mr. Cheep Nomsian, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, along with Mr. Chayaksak Ratinonsakul, Head of Operations at Borommaratchachonnani (Southern Terminal), and other relevant officials who provided information about passenger support measures, including adequate bus allocation, vehicle inspections, and ensuring all drivers at every station are prepared.
Mr. Samphet stated that the visit aimed to instill confidence in travelers by emphasizing that operators and officials strictly adhere to safety protocols, including inspecting vehicles before service and ensuring drivers are physically and mentally ready to guarantee maximum passenger safety throughout the journey.
Currently, the Southern Bus Terminal schedules about 600 bus trips daily, with an expected average of 12,000 passengers per day. Passenger numbers are anticipated to increase tomorrow, requiring comprehensive preparations to ensure smooth and safe travel for the public.
Additionally, ticket sales were inspected, confirming that there will be no fare increases during the Songkran festival and the extended holiday period, so as not to burden passengers financially.
At the end of the visit, Mr. Samphet stressed the Department of Land Transport's regulations requiring trucks and buses to drive no more than four consecutive hours before taking at least a 30-minute break, after which they may drive another four hours, with a maximum of eight hours within 24 hours. This measure aims to prevent drowsy driving and ensure travelers return home safely and with peace of mind on all routes.