Bangkok: The first day of Songkran drew an impressive crowd of over 140,000 people to Silom and Khao San, as Bangkok authorities employed AI CCTV technology to monitor tourist activities, risky areas, and public complaints.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suphakrit Boonkhun, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok and Commander of the Daily Incident, led a meeting of the Bangkok Incident Command Center during the ongoing Songkran Festival 2025. The meeting, attended by Assoc. Prof. Thawida Kamolvech, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and Pol. Gen. Adit Ngamjitsuksri, an advisor to the Governor, took place at the Suthat Room, Bangkok City Hall in the Phra Nakhon District.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Suphakrit emphasized the need for strict implementation of safety measures, traffic management, and maintaining order in event areas, particularly the 17 major locations across Bangkok. He instructed relevant agencies to deploy sufficient officers to manage these areas and address potential traffic accident causes linked to municipal shortcomings, such as inadequate lighting or lack of pedestrian bridges. He also requested accurate accident statistics from the Traffic and Transportation Department for effective coordination with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Adviser Adhis highlighted the importance of public relations concerning traffic organization and routes for tourists, resolving issues related to vendors on footpaths, and maintaining safety measures using AI-enhanced CCTV. He also called for monitoring and addressing public complaints about disturbances, particularly in private event areas.
The Traffic and Transportation Department reported nine accidents on the second day of the festival's control period, resulting in three injuries and nine fatalities. Meanwhile, the Songkran Festival saw a total of 144,523 attendees at Silom and Khao San Road on April 12, 2025.
Bangkok authorities urge the public to use public transportation, including electric trains and BMA Feeder buses, to alleviate traffic congestion during the festival and adhere to safety practices while using the BTS Skytrain.