Thailand's Songkran Festival 2024 is slated for April. (Photo:thethaiger.com) Bangkok (VNA) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration(BMA) has proposed an increase in the deployment of cutting-edge technology inorder to ramp up safety measures for the upcoming Songkran Festival which is slated for April.
Adit Ngamjitsuksri, an advisor to Bangkok GovernorChadchart Sittipunt, shared that the BMA has instructed the Traffic andTransportation Department to enhance surveillance by installing additional CCTVcameras along the popular Khao San Road. This bustling thoroughfare is a primelocation for large congregations of tourists,particularly during festival seasons. The previous year’s Songkran celebrationssaw an influx of around 100,000 visitors in this area.
In an attempt to mitigate potential safety hazardsfrom overcrowding, Chadchart has urged the City Hall to spread visitors acrossvarious venues. Adit further added that the BMA contemplates the installationof more cameras in high-tourist areas, employing artificial intelligence tofortify the security measures enforced by the police.
Sharing the blueprint for the plan, Bangkok DeputyGovernor Wisanu Subsompon indicated that the BMA plans to establish a minimumof 17,000 additional cameras along crucial roads. These new additions will beintegrated with the existing surveillance system to maximise efficiency.
Under the directive of Prime Minister SretthaThavisin, Adit affirmed that CCTV footage from both sides of the tourist-heavyRatchaprasong road will be frequently analysed. This will aid in strategisingways to prevent taxis and other public transportation from exploiting customersduring the holiday season.
The BMA, in collaboration with the police, iscommitted to enhancing safety measures in selected city venues for the MahaSongkran World Water Festival 2024. The event will unfold along RatchadamnoenKlang avenue and at Sanam Luang, as shared by Adit.
In an effort to extend the reach of the SongkranFestival, the ministry has also introduced an English version of RoengSongkran, the festival’s anthem, performed by the widely acclaimed SuntarapornBand./.
