Hoping to keep away from the full gridlock that grips Pattaya on the ultimate day of Songkran, police this 12 months will hold the northern half of Seashore Street open. Whether or not vehicles can truly use it’s one other matter.
Visitors inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Aruth Sapanon mentioned Seashore Street from Central by way of South Street and all of Strolling Avenue will likely be closed from 2:30-8:30 p.m. – later than regular – and the remainder of the road will stay open to visitors.
Primarily based on historical past, nevertheless, it’s unlikely any vehicles will truly be capable of transfer, as tens of hundreds of individuals flood the seaside. It’s doubtless the crowds, not visitors police, will determine what’s open or closed.
Sidestreets linking to Seashore Street additionally will stay open, aside from Central and South roads between Second and Seashore Roads.
On Songran “wan lai” days earlier than the Covid-19 pandemic, visitors throughout town floor to a halt, from Sukhumvit Street to the main North, South and Central street arteries to Third Street. April 19 this 12 months doubtless would be the identical, as water play will likely be allowed on the primary two lanes of every aspect of Sukhumvit Street.
Aruth mentioned Seashore Street will likely be patrolled by 100 officers and volunteers whereas “fast response models” can be on name to assist folks with issues and motorists whose vehicles break down. The town has partnered with a number of garages for fast auto repairs, he mentioned.
