Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said at the Defence Ministry in Bangkok on Monday that the tradition festive activity could be carried out on minor roads, where imposing speed limits and supervising motorists would be easier.

However, main roads and highways where motorists travel at speed have been ruled out of bounds for water activities.

Prawit was speaking after presiding over the Songkran road-safety preparation meeting of related agencies.

He said the government would reduce road accidents during the Songkran holidays by implementing junta orders such as controlling vehicle speed and campaigning for all passengers to fasten seatbelts and bike riders to wear helmets. With these measures in place, there was no need to set a target for road casualties this Songkran, he said.

Prawit said he had instructed the Highway Police to set up checkpoints on main and secondary roads while assigning Interior Ministry administrative officials to take care of rural and community roads.

He also urged people to celebrate Songkran in moderation as the country was still in mourning for the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and to watch out for any suspicious activities or signs of attacks in community areas or key venues.