Picture courtesy of Phuket Highway Facebook

 

Phuket officials have initiated a multimillion-baht project to upgrade the lighting in major underpasses, aiming to enhance safety and reduce nighttime accidents. Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the commencement of work at a committee meeting on September 29, stating that contracts have been finalized and improvements will begin immediately.

 

The project will span 210 days and focus on modernizing electrical systems and lighting in five key underpasses across Phuket. The upgrades are designed to meet national safety standards, featuring new energy-efficient lighting that will enhance visibility and potentially lower long-term power costs. The governor emphasized that this initiative underscores Phuket's commitment to safety and high-quality infrastructure, aiming to reassure both locals and tourists.

 

Concerns about underpass lighting follow a series of incidents, particularly at the Darasamut Underpass, which has been deemed a hazard due to poor lighting. The Chief of the Phuket Highways Office, Somkit Kittisopit, has acknowledged this issue, linking inadequate lighting to the increased risk of accidents, aligning with police assessments.

 

This lighting improvement project is a response to longstanding criticisms of inaction regarding road safety on the busy island. With the project deadline set, officials are under pressure to complete the work on schedule, promising a safer experience for everyone using Phuket's tunnels. This development comes after a recent collision at the Darasamut Intersection underpass on September 22, which caused significant traffic disruption and left one person injured.

 

Key Takeaways

• A project to improve lighting in Phuket's underpasses has begun with a 210-day timeline.
• The initiative is a response to safety concerns, particularly at the Darasamut Underpass.
• Officials aim to improve safety and infrastructure quality, reassuring residents and tourists.

 

Related Stories:

15-Car Collision in Phuket Underpass Leaves One Injured

Korat Residents Inspect Safety of Underpass Projects

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-01

 

 

Excellent, those warm, yellow lights in the underpasses atm offer no visibility.

What about implementing speed limit in underpasses ? Stay on the left in Samkong underpass and drive at 50 km/H and count how many cars will take over on the right lane !

8 hours ago, Chalong circle said:

What about implementing speed limit in underpasses ? Stay on the left in Samkong underpass and drive at 50 km/H and count how many cars will take over on the right lane !

There are speed limits. 

Whats these National safety standards they are talking about? 

I haven't been in Phuket for a year plus but thinking about going back for a few months soon, how is the construction of the new underpass at Heroines Monument proceeding?

Thanks

Felt

On 10/2/2025 at 1:08 AM, stevenl said:

There are speed limits. 

 

But nobody cares about them...

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

 

But nobody cares about them...

True. I was replying to this post though. "What about implementing speed limit in underpasses ? ".

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

True. I was replying to this post though. "What about implementing speed limit in underpasses ? ".

 

Yes, that could be a good idea, if the cameras should work in semi dark-ness.

On 10/5/2025 at 10:51 PM, Felt 35 said:

I haven't been in Phuket for a year plus but thinking about going back for a few months soon, how is the construction of the new underpass at Heroines Monument proceeding?

Thanks

Felt

Funny you should ask that, the contract is STOPPED, 

18 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Funny you should ask that, the contract is STOPPED, 

No one wanted it 🤣except the politicians 😛

On 10/20/2025 at 9:06 AM, ChipButty said:

Funny you should ask that, the contract is STOPPED, 

 

Thanks for the reply, and IMO better to let the traffic chaos that remains as it is instead of a terrible road construction mess forever.

Felt