Phuket authorities expect lighting repairs at two busy underpasses to be completed by no later than 20 August, while increasing monitoring at two bridges where people have jumped. Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom said on 31 July that the province was addressing traffic flow and road safety, with the Samkong underpass among the immediate priorities. Officials have inspected its drainage pumps and internal lighting with relevant agencies. For foreign residents, visitors and regular drivers, the work concerns two key road junctions: Samkong and the Five-Way Chalong underpass. Motorists should be aware that repairs are being carried out overnight because daytime traffic limits access for work crews. Two underpasses still need lighting work Phuket has five road underpasses: Bang Khu, Samkong, Dara Samut, Five-Way Chalong and Airport Junction. Problems with pumping systems at all five locations have already been resolved, according to the governor. However, lighting work remains under way at Samkong and Five-Way Chalong. Repairs at Samkong are expected to take another 10 days, while lighting work at Five-Way Chalong is due to be completed within half a month. The province expects all outstanding work to finish by 20 August. Work can only be carried out from 9pm until before 6am, when crews must stop because traffic becomes congested. The restricted overnight window has contributed to delays. Road deaths already at 110 this year The governor said Phuket was also reviewing measures to reduce road deaths. The province recorded more than 300 fatalities in 2006, falling to 149 in 2025. From January to the end of the first half of 2026, however, 110 people had died in road accidents. If the trend continues to December, the death toll could exceed 200 - around 50% higher than last year. The provincial road safety committee has adopted practical action across five areas: public information and awareness, traffic discipline, emergency assistance, follow-up and rehabilitation, and management. The approach is intended to cover prevention before crashes, response during incidents and support afterwards. The figures are a reminder for foreign motorcyclists and drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with Phuket's roads, to take extra care. The provincial measures are aimed at all road users, including tourists and expats. Patrols and CCTV for bridge monitoring Authorities are also introducing initial measures at Sarasin Bridge and Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge following cases of people jumping from the structures. Patrols will monitor the areas and follow potentially concerning behaviour. Information will also be fed into Phuket Provincial Police's PHUKET EYE system, which is linked to more than 700 CCTV cameras. Police will coordinate with the Department of Highways patrol network. The Tha Chatchai Highway District is already close to the locations and will join the effort to strengthen safety monitoring. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? 1 August 2026
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