Over 60,000 passengers are expected to travel out of Bangkok today (Thursday) using bus services of the state-run Transport Company, managing director Dr. Sanlak Panwatanalikit said today.

He said that the estimated figures are slightly higher than Wednesday, when about 56,000 passengers travelled out of the city for New Year celebrations on 3,500 bus and passenger van trips.

He said that all the bus drivers and bus conductors have been instructed to be ready to do their jobs, refrain from drug abuse and to make sure that all the vehicles are insured.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has set up 11 public service points to provide help to motorists and bus commuters travelling out of the city and back between December 27th and January 4th.

A medical unit and free car check services are available at the 11 points, to be manned around the clock by city officials, police and volunteers. Drinking water and free face towels are also available.

Seven points are located on outbound routes and four are located at the Transport Company’s bus terminals.

In addition, about 50,000 police have been mobilised to man road checkpoints across the country, to check for speeding, drink driving and other traffic offenders.

Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service