PUBLISHED: 6 Mar 2024 at 06 :45
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) unveiled a plan to use more cutting-edge technology to increase security measures for the upcoming year’s extended Songkran Festival on Tuesday.
Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt’s advisor, Pol Gen Adit Ngamjitsuksri, reported that the BMA has ordered the Traffic and Transportation Department to operate on installing more CCTV along Khao San Road, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok.
The road accommodates large crowds of largely foreign visitors, especially during holidays. At least 100,000 people turned out for the Songkran events there last year.
In order to lessen the risk of overcrowding, which may cause security and safety concerns, Mr. Chadchart has also instructed City Hall to assist fan visitors leaving other locations, Pol Gen Adit added.
Additionally, the BMA has been considering using AI to improve the safety measures taken by the police and adding more camcorders to tourist places.
According to Bangkok lieutenant governor Wisanu Subsompon, the BMA intends to install at least 17 000 additional cameras along main roads and attach them to those that are already in place for greater efficiency.
Pol Gen Adit said images from CCTV cameras installed on both sides of Ratchaprasong Road, a major tourist route, will be periodically reviewed and used to chart out ways to stop taxis and other people vehicles from taking advantage of their customers during the trip.
According to Pol Gen Adit, the BMA said it will work with the authorities to strengthen security measures at the locations in the city where the” Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024″ will take place along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and Sanam Luang.
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said on Tuesday that the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ) has chosen Anntonia Porsild, the first-runner-up of Miss Universe 2023, for the role of this year’s Songkran goddess, or” Mahothon Devi.”
The government has even produced an English translation of Suntaraporn Band’s rendition of Roeng Songkran, the festival’s music.