Cable theft plunges Phuket Airport underpass into darkness

A daring act of cable theft at the Phuket International Airport underpass plunged the area into darkness, leading to system failures and heightened safety concerns. The busy junction at Phuket Airport on Thepkrasattri Road, where the underpass is located, is now a challenging commute for both residents and tourists.

The incident has caused considerable disruption, with the underpass’s lighting system rendered non-operational. As a result, driving visibility has been significantly impaired, escalating the risk of traffic accidents. The situation led to an official report emphasising the urgent need to rectify the extensive damage to the electrical infrastructure caused by the theft.

In response to this, the Phuket Highways Office swiftly announced plans for repair work, scheduled to kick off over the next weekend. With an estimated duration of four to five days, the repair work necessitates the temporary closure of the underpass, a move likely to exacerbate the already challenging traffic conditions. However, the office assures that this measure is vital to restoring the safety and functionality of the underpass, reported The Phuket News.

In a bid to apprehend the audacious thieves, local authorities issued a call for public assistance. They urge anyone with information about the theft or the suspects involved to come forward. They have also requested that any suspicious activity be reported immediately, either via the Department of Highways hotline 1586 or directly to the Phuket Highways Office at 076-212179.

In related news, two thieves were apprehended in the act of stealing power cables by vigilant locals. One of the culprits confessed that the motive behind this crime was to fund his birthday celebration and substance abuse habits.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 23, near Soi Khao Makok 10, close to the Huai Chak Nok reservoir. Locals and construction workers, having suffered frequent power outages due to recurrent cable theft, decided to proactively address the issue.