Phuket Gears Up for Safe Songkran with Crackdown on Road Dangers

Picture of Songkran celebrations in Phuket last year courtesy of Aleenta

As the Songkran festival approaches, Phuket officials are taking urgent steps to prevent road accidents, targeting drink-driving, reckless rentals, and helmet-less bikers. At a crucial meeting on 2nd April, led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and disaster chief Wichit Sutthaso, strategies for heightened safety were discussed.

Statistics from past years revealed alarming figures: 72% of accidents involved alcohol, and 80% of injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. These insights prompted a comprehensive review of road safety measures, particularly from the 2025 new year period, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and public education.

Authorities introduced the Phuket Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Operation Center, launching the "Driving Safely, Thailand Without Accidents" campaign. The hard-hitting "Seven Days of Danger" will run from April 11-17, coinciding with the peak of festival travel.

Round-the-clock checkpoints will be set up across Phuket, supported by community patrols and increased traffic enforcement. A key focus is on rental bike and car operations, notorious for involving tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions. Enhanced renter screening and stricter regulations for rental firms are on the agenda.

To mitigate traffic chaos, transport operators are asked to limit large truck movements during the festival. Bus drivers will face extra monitoring, while motorists are urged to ensure their vehicles are travel-ready.

Addressing ongoing roadworks, officials committed to fast-tracking construction projects and implementing temporary safety measures on unfinished roads.

With the Songkran road death toll looming, Phuket's government promises heightened vigilance, striving to ensure safer festivities for everyone this year, reported The Thaiger.