Bangkok (VNA) – The Transport Ministry of Thailandhas instructed the Airports of Thailand (AoT) and all related agencies toensure the safety of passengers during Songkran, the traditional New Yearfestival of the Southeast Asian country that will be held from April 13-15.

Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit was quoted bylocal media as saying that six international airports of Thailand - Suvarnabhumi, DonMueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai - are forecastto welcome about 2.61 million passengers during the Songkran festival, up 28,5%year on year.

Of the total, about 1.65 million are foreigners, up 46% year-on-year while the number of local passengers is expected to reach about 962,362,up 6.59%.

There will be 15,113 flights, up 16.71% from the same period last year, of them 8,682 international and 6,431 domestic.

Suriya said the Transport Ministry and the AoT have arranged freeparking areas in Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

The minister also instructed the AoT to work closely withimmigration police and ground service staff to ensure smooth services at theairports.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote saidthe State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been instructed to stand readyto provide the best services for travellers during the Songkran festival.

Earlier, the SRT extended the period for booking expresstrain tickets from 30 days to 90 days. Surapong said during the Songkranperiod, most people booked tickets to depart from April 10-11 andto return to Bangkok from April 16-17./.