Phuket parade marks New Year road safety campaign

PHUKET: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket staged a parade at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town today ahead of the nationwide ‘Seven Days of Danger’ road safety campaign for the New Year holiday.

“Phuket has a lot of tourists, and the roads will be busy during the new year. During this time, the number of accidents on Phuket roads is three times more than normal,” said Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket chief San Jantharawong.

More than 200 people turned out for the parade, including officials from various government agencies, Phuket City Police officers, students and local administration organization volunteers, all of whom will be taking part in the upcoming campaign, from December 29 to January 4.

“Our target this year is to have a reduction of at least 5 per cent overall on the road toll statistics from last year,” said Chief San.

Over the Seven Days of Danger last new year, Phuket suffered four deaths and 71 people injured in the 64 accidents reported during the period, he explained.

The news comes as Tung Tong Police today reported a motorcycle accident in which a Swedish tourist died and one Norwegian tourist was seriously injured.

“They were riding back from the Red Mountain Golf Course. A young Swedish woman was driving the vehicle while the Norwegian man was riding pillion,” said Lt Col Chana Sutthimas.

“The Swedish woman lost control of the bike and crashed into a pole beside the road. She was not speeding. Perhaps she was simply unfamiliar with the road,” he said.

“The woman was hearing a helmet, but her Norwegian friend was not,” he added.

“The Norwegian is now receiving treatment at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and the body of the Swedish woman is being kept at Vachira Phuket Hospital,” Lt Col Chana said.

Police have informed the Swedish consulate.

“They will contact her family and inform them about the tragedy. Until then, the name of Swedish girl cannot be revealed,” said Lt Col Chana.

— Warisa Temram