Hat yai: The National Police Chief has taken decisive action by dispatching a fleet of tow trucks from the Metropolitan Police Bureau to Hat Yai, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion caused by more than 2,000 vehicles left stranded and blocking roadways.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, announced that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the national police chief, is prioritizing traffic management in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, following recent flooding. The chief has ordered the deployment of 40 tow trucks and drivers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau to support Provincial Police Region 9 in clearing the roads. A survey conducted by Hat Yai City Police Station identified over 2,000 vehicles that were displaced by floodwaters and are now obstructing traffic.
The Royal Thai Police’s deputy spokesperson explained that the operation will follow two main strategies. Firstly, officers will identify and contact vehicle owners to determine their preferred relocation site, such as a house or garage, with police providing tow truck services to those destinations. Secondly, if owners cannot be located or if they choose to leave their vehicles, the cars will be moved to designated storage locations.
Three storage sites have been prepared: Chiranakorn Central Stadium, which can accommodate 100 cars; an area opposite the Harsa Hotel, capable of holding 200 cars; and the parking lot at Provincial Police Region 9 Office in Chalung Subdistrict, which can store up to 2,000 vehicles. To streamline the process, Hat Yai Police Station will distribute QR codes for car owners to track their vehicles, ensuring a smooth retrieval process with police assistance available at each location. Additionally, measures are being established to safeguard stored vehicles.
The deputy spokesperson also addressed concerns about potential theft or vandalism. Car owners who find their vehicles damaged or missing items after the flood waters recede can report such incidents at the Hat Yai Police Station, where a complaint desk is now operational.