Increased road traffic is reported on the main arterial routes to northern and north-eastern provinces today, as people begin their journeys home a day ahead of the long official Songkran holidays, which last from tomorrow until Tuesday.

The major exodus will start tomorrow.

At Government House today, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over a merit-making ceremony ahead of the Songkran festival by paying respects to the Brahma shrine, attending a religious ceremony and receiving blessings from a senior monk.

Then, the prime minister expressed his good wishes to cabinet ministers and officials before allowing his ministers, officials and reporters to perform a “rod nam dum hua” water-pouring ritual, by pouring scented water on the palms of his hands.

Buddha amulets were later presented to officials and reporters by the prime minister as mementos.

The Highways Department has been providing information on main and alternative routes from Bangkok to all regions during the long holidays. Motorists can call the department’s 1586 hotline or the highways police at 1193 around the clock for information about the routes or to report accidents.

Before their journeys, motorists are advised to check their cars to make sure they are in good working condition, such as the battery, tyres, brakes, engine, gear and clutch fluids, the lighting system, the horn and so on.