Phuket selfie craze worries officials

[Thaivisa News]

Many teenagers are found to have taken “selfies” while riding motorcycles in Phuket.

The provincial governor, Nisit Jansomwong, revealed the information in dismay at a workshop on Thursday as relevant authorities came together to explore how to prevent road accidents.

“I think taking pictures of yourself while you are steering the vehicle is the most dangerous driving behavior. It may lead to fatal accidents,” Nisit was quoted by ASTV as saying.

He lamented that teenagers had often been involved in road accidents these days.

Phuket’s transport chief Thirayut Prasertphon said statistics showed the number of youth-related road accidents was growing and they stemmed mostly from reckless driving behaviors, lack of discipline and inadequate knowledge of traffic laws/rules.

“We will try harder to promote road safety,” he said.

According to Nisit, while taking “selfies” is definitely dangerous to drivers, drunk driving remains the most common cause of accidents.

Nisit said in addition to causing casualties and property damages, road accidents were also not good to Phuket’s image as a tourist destination.

Jaturong Kaewkasi, a specialist at the Phuket Transport Office, said his office had now been pushing for a project to have mobile units for vehicle checks up and running in the province given that the geographical landscape of Phuket was different others, and those coming from elsewhere might not be aware of the differences and risks involved.

“Roads in Phuket are steep. Your vehicles must be well ready to ensure that the trips are safe,” he explained.

According to him, about 40 per cent of vehicles used for tourists in Phuket are now from other provinces as local supply cannot meet the huge demand. Known as the Pearl of Andaman, Phuket has attracted millions of visitors each year.

[Crazy chef 1]

“We will try harder to promote road safety,” he said.

not try-do it!!!

[thequietman]

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then I will take a selfie whilst driving my bike.

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then I will drive at speed.

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then I will drive drunk.

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then I will ride without a helmet.

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then park where ever the hell I want.

If I know that there will be no police doing their jobs then I will rob tourists.

Anyone see a trend here?

No police performing their duties means no law and order on the roads and else where.

Police.............................. do your jobs. Thank you.

Edited April 3, 2015 by thequietman

[Costas2008]

“We will try harder to promote road safety,” he said.

not try-do it!!!

Hey CC, you should know by now...........

It's all blah blah and no action.

If whatever they say is put in action, Thailand would be the safest country in the world to live in.

Edited April 3, 2015 by Costas2008

[LivinginKata]

No worse than texting while driving. That's the real killer - worldwide.

[selftaopath]

There is NO RULE OF LAW in "Lack of Sanctions" (LOS) so what do these "leaders" expect?

No punishment = NO CRIME.

I'd be willing to bet that most of these "teenagers" and younger have no legal license. BUT ...... TIT.

[Shot]

Another recent danger is the SSS (Stupid Selfie Stick). I've had a few of those dropped in front of me whilst passing on my click.

[Suffinator]

Start off by enforcing the law that no child should be allowed to operate a vehicle (under the age of 18).

Secondly introduce vehicle training instructors whereby all must learn how to drive to an international standard before being allowed to take the actual driving test.

Make the driving test a proper test instead of letting them ride around a track for 5 minutes.

Make then undertake a proper written test so that they fully know and understand traffic laws.

Until such are implement and enforced the number of needless deaths will continue.

[brain150]

Seems like Thai visa posters think that a 100% police state would be the solution to all problems !!!

... amazing how brainwashed society is.

[Local Drunk]

Seems like Thai visa posters think that a 100% police state would be the solution to all problems !!!

... amazing how brainwashed society is.

Well brain150... Please reread the posts because there is not one mention of "police state" in any of them except yours. Most of the posts implied responsible driving, responsible police enforcement and plain common sense when operating a motor vehicle. You should really think about the common sense aspect of posts before you reply to a post.

[Aussieroaming]

I live near a police post, those guys regularly ride the wrong way down the one way street, ride without helmets, talk on their mobiles while riding etc. these guys are the role models, so if they don't care why should the youth.

[jerojero]

Require and enforce helmets (with dark shades visors) ....no more selfies!

[PEAP]

Phewket, "Pearl of the Andaman" If this was true the rest of the Andaman must be a horrible Cess Pit?