The airport is an important hub of the region as it has just opened new passengers buildings, resulting in more domestic and international traffic, Nathathorn said. In addition, it houses many budget airlines.

Large crowds of people are expected during the water-splashing festival that falls on Thursday. However people have already started travelling back to their hometowns or leaving Bangkok to celebrate the long holiday.

The commander was speaking after joining Don Muang Airport executives in launching a campaign to show readiness of airport units and police for Songkran.

“Our inspection shows that all airport units and police are ready to serve people as well as provide safety for them,” he said.

More immigration police and IT officials have been deployed at the airport to ensure the immigration system functions at full strength around the clock.

Officials have been ordered to be stricter in screening people coming in and out to prevent anybody exploiting the crowds and holidays to instigate chaos.