Traffic congestion is expected to return to Bangkok's main roads on Monday as revellers return to the capital following the Songkran holidays.
Reports from Ang Thong indicate that traffic has started to build up on Highway 32, a segment of the Asian Highway Network stretching from Chai Nat to Ayutthaya.
As of 2pm on Sunday, vehicles going from Sing Buri towards Ayutthaya could move at speeds of only 70-80 kilometres per hour.
Deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police Wirachai Songmetta on Sunday advised the public to start travelling in the morning instead of afternoon or evening, to avoid provincial roads that are likely to see snarl-ups later in the day.
He said that cars have already been forced to slow down along the northeastern stretch of Mittraphap road between Pak Chong and Sikhiu districts of Nakhon Ratchasima.
Highway police have reportedly opened two road diversions along Mittraphap road to ease traffic in Sikhiu and Non Sung.
Provincial transport vehicles, such as buses and vans, will further exacerbate the issue, with 180,000 passengers expected to travel back to Bangkok each day.
Transport Co chief Jirasak Yaovatsakul said that his company, with the help of the Department of Land Transport, will commission extra buses for returning passengers.
At least 300 extra vehicles are needed per day during Songkran.
Elsewhere, the number of passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to see a sharp spike from Monday to Friday.
Meanwhile, National Council for Peace and Order spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong said 7,067 vehicles have been seized from those driving recklessly and under the influence as of Sunday.
Some 5,019 vehicles were motorcycles, while the rest were cars.
Authorities have confiscated 16,588 driver's licences so far, Col Sirichan added.
