Locals take road safety measures into own hands

PHUKET: Four local men used money from their own pockets to help fix dangerous sections of the bypass road near the Samkong underpass construction site yesterday.

Kanin Raksaraj, Jiradet Sawatjan, Somsak Juapsri and Suthisak Srikong bought two bags of asphalt, costing 350 baht, to fix the road.

“We have seen so many accidents happen over and over again on the bypass road because of its condition. We haven’t seen much action taken by the construction company or local authorities. If we don’t do it, who will?” Mr Kanin asked the Phuket Gazette today.

On August 30, a group of locals protested and submitted a formal letter of complaint to the governor about the dangerous road conditions along the construction site (story here).

“After the protest, I have only seen a few changes. They did place more lights on the road at the construction site. However, after a few days, they disappeared. The holes also have yet to be fixed. I can’t stand seeing people getting hurt because of this,” Mr Kanin said.

The four plan to continue fixing the road on Sunday when there is less traffic.

“We are happy to spend the money if it can help save lives,” Mr Kanin said.

“We will also paint the concrete barriers in front of Kee Hin on the bypass road, as their color has already faded, which is very dangerous.”

Mr Kanin and his three friends have expressed their gratitude to the public for the positive feedback.

“We have to take action. If we wait for someone to help, I am afraid it will be too late. Officers will do what they can and we will too. We can help each other,” Mr Kanin said. “Anyone is welcome to join us if they would like to.”

— Kongleaphy Keam