Just before noon on the first day of the Songkran celebrations (Apr 12), senior officers from Chalong Police Station arrived at the road safety checkpoint in front of Marko Rawai to support the police and municipal personnel stationed there.
The top brass team was led by Chalong Police Station Chief Col Ekkarat Plaiduang, accompanied by Lt Col Chakkraphong Phetcharat, Lt Col Ratchapas Buakaew, Lt Col Jaruwat Thanon Phonrat, and fellow officers.
Chalong Police explained in a Facebook statement that the effort was part of the "Distribute before arrest, warn with concern" strategy, integrated into the ongoing “Helmet 100%” campaign. The phrase "distribute" refers to giving away free helmets to those found riding without them.
The road safety initiative will run from Apr 11-17, as stated by Chalong Police. However, it remains unclear if the "Distribute before arrest, warn with concern" approach will apply to every helmetless rider throughout the period.