Phuket —
Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom led a safety inspection on a recent morning, focusing on three critical areas: tunnel lighting, road accident prevention, and security at the Sarasin Bridge. The initiative follows heightened public concern on social media and is to strengthen both traffic management and public safety across the province.
Governor Chotnarin, joined by provincial transport officials, public health representatives, and highway authorities, focused on the dual priorities of easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents. He noted that recent adjustments to U-turn lanes at Hua To have already improved traffic flow, while tunnel lighting repairs remain underway.
Phuket has five underpasses, with two still awaiting completion of lighting upgrades. Work is restricted to nighttime hours (9:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.) to avoid daytime traffic disruption. The governor expects all tunnel lighting systems to be fully operational by August 20th, 2026.
Road safety remains a pressing issue. In the first half of 2026, Phuket recorded approximately 110 traffic fatalities. If the trend continues, annual deaths could exceed 200, a 50% increase from last year. To counter this, the provincial road safety committee is implementing a five-pronged strategy:
- Public education and awareness campaigns
- Strengthening traffic discipline
- Emergency response readiness
- Post-accident rehabilitation
- Coordinated management across agencies
The governor also addressed safety concerns at Sarasin Bridge, where recent incidents of individuals jumping into the water have drawn attention. Patrol units will now monitor the area more closely, supported by the “Phuket Eye” surveillance system, which integrates over 700 CCTV cameras. Highway patrols near Tha Chat Chai will also reinforce security.
Governor Chotnarin reaffirmed Phuket’s commitment to safeguarding both residents and tourists: “We are accelerating tunnel repairs, tightening accident prevention measures, and enhancing surveillance at Sarasin Bridge to ensure safe travel and peace of mind for everyone in Phuket.”
