Port authority launches safety campaign to secure cargo ahead of Songkran travel rush

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has stepped up safety measures ahead of the Songkran festival, launching a dedicated campaign to ensure cargo trucks secure their containers and adhere to strict driving standards to minimise road accidents during the traffic-heavy holiday period.

Acting Sub Lt Rutthakorn Khiewpaisal, deputy director general of the PAT for Finance and Corporate Strategy and acting director general, said that the PAT always prioritises public safety, especially during times of heavy road usage.

The PAT, therefore, launched the “Safe Driving, Secure Locks, Safe on Every Route” project, aimed at raising awareness among truck drivers about the critical importance of locking containers onto container chassis, a key factor in preventing catastrophic accidents on public roads.

The campaign specifically targets the high-traffic period from April 11 to 17, when millions of Thais are expected to travel to their home provinces for traditional Thai New Year celebrations.

"We are fostering a safety-first mindset for truck drivers entering and leaving the Bangkok Port customs zone," he said. "This includes mandatory checks to ensure containers are properly fastened and secured throughout the entire journey."

Beyond physical cargo security, he said the PAT is also promoting a broader culture of responsibility, by encouraging energy efficiency through better route planning and vehicle maintenance.

This is being coupled with a focus on strict traffic discipline, including adherence to speed limits and road regulations, alongside environmental initiatives such as monitoring black smoke emissions to mitigate air pollution during the holiday period.

The project is in line with the Ministry of Transport’s broader policy to reduce loss of life and property during the ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ on the roads during Songkran.