Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A road safety initiative on Phuket's Thepkrasattri Road has successfully reduced fatalities to zero in a notoriously dangerous area. The Safe & Seamless U-Turn project, officially handed over to Governor Sophon Suwannarat on September 11, was a collaboration between local authorities and international partners. Spearheaded by Rotary District 3330, Patong Rotary Club, and the UK-based Safer Roads Foundation (SRF), the initiative shows a significant improvement in safety on this key thoroughfare.

 

Route 402, which links Phang Nga and Phuket’s main tourist areas, was previously known for frequent accidents, particularly at its U-turns and near the Heroines Monument. Between 2019 and 2024, these spots recorded over 340 injuries and 30 deaths. To address this, the SRF partnered with ThaiHealth and local agencies, implementing physical barriers to manage traffic flow and closing the Ban Kian intersection to ease congestion.

 

The project's impact has been noteworthy, with no deaths reported in the trial zone since the measures were implemented. Travel times have decreased significantly, and ambulance response times from Thalang Hospital have been cut in half. A recent survey indicated strong public support for the changes, with 90.5% of respondents in favor, two-thirds feeling safer, and 40% experiencing faster commutes.

 

Governor Sophon praised the initiative, highlighting it as a model for collaboration and community action. Building on the pilot's success, the Safer Roads Foundation is now investing 6.23 million baht to make the improvements permanent, including further work around the Heroines Monument to enhance safety and traffic flow.

 

Key Takeaways

• The Safe & Seamless U-Turn initiative reduced fatalities to zero.
• Travel times improved, with strong public support for the project.
• Further investments aim to make these safety measures permanent.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-12

 

 

What time of year was this trial?

4 hours ago, stevenl said:

What time of year was this trial?

It was carried out at 3 AM after the cops had closed the road in both directions.

No deaths reported

What was the increase in life-threatening injuries?

6 hours ago, stevenl said:

What time of year was this trial?

Good times are ahead as the red tape for the Phuket boat taxis have been cleared.🤭

Roads will be mostly empty soon and Phuket will be again the paradise it deserves.

 

A good news story, congrats to those involved.  Hopefully this type of initiative can get extended further round the country.

On 9/13/2025 at 1:50 AM, stevenl said:

What time of year was this trial?

 A week or so before salary. ?