Extra road safety: Phuket’s ‘7 Dangerous Days’ extended to 10
In a bid to curb road carnage this new year, Phuket officials are going all out. The long-standing “7 Dangerous Days” campaign will stretch to a full 10 days this year, running from December 27 to January 5, marking the most extended safety crackdown yet.
The decision was confirmed during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, December 18, where top brass from key government agencies gathered to tackle the island’s accident hotspots.
Vice Governor Adul made his campaign clear to motorists, tourists, and residents.
“Strict law enforcement is crucial to address speeding, drunk driving, and the failure to wear helmets.”
High-risk zones, especially along the infamous Thep Krasattri Road (Route 402), are getting laser-focused attention. Police are preparing checkpoints, revamping accident reporting systems, and ensuring road conditions are flood-free and safe. The aim? Safer roads for locals and tourists.
Notably absent from this year’s agenda was any mention of driving without a licence, once a key focus. For decades, this violation accounted for the lion’s share of fines during the campaign. However, the shift in strategy targets the top 10 accident-causing behaviours, leaving unlicenced driving in the rearview mirror.
Other measures include cracking down on unsafe public buses and rental cars, integrating accident data for better analysis, and ramping up public awareness campaigns.
Officials are also deploying 24-hour emergency systems and family checkpoints to bolster support during the campaign period, reported The Phuket News.
Interestingly, the meeting also confirmed the traditional seven-day safety focus will remain for Songkran 2025, from April 11 to 17.
Both campaigns will spotlight management systems, road risk reduction, and public education to meet Phuket’s ultimate goal: to save lives and protect property during Thailand’s key festivals.
ORIGINAL STORY: Phuket unveils road safety centre for seven days of danger
Phuket is gearing up for a heightened focus on road and marine safety with the opening of a road safety operations centre on Christmas Day. This effort is in preparation for the upcoming Seven Days of Danger campaign, scheduled to run from December 27 to January 2, as confirmed by Sopon Thongsai, chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.
The announcement was made during a recent meeting of the Road Safety Management Center Committee, which took place yesterday, December 6. The session was presided over by Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Minister of Interior, and conducted via electronic media.
It brought together provincial governors, law enforcement, and other key agencies to finalise a comprehensive accident prevention plan for the year 2025.
Aligning with Thailand’s broader tourism ambitions, the initiative supports the designation of 2025 as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year, which Songsak emphasised.
“Tourism depends on accessibility, convenience, satisfaction and safety.”
Efforts are concentrated on reducing the road accident fatality rate to 12 deaths per 100,000 people by 2027. This goal underscores Thailand’s commitment to enhancing the safety and accessibility of its tourism infrastructure.
Phuket’s new road safety centre will play a crucial role during the intensive seven days of danger during the holidays going into the new year.
Sopon Thongsai stated that strict measures will be implemented, including increased road safety mechanisms, implementing risk reduction strategies, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and improved accident data management.
These efforts are an extension of previous initiatives, such as the National Seminar on Road Safety and activities commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, reported Phuket News.
With an expected surge in tourist arrivals during the holiday season, Phuket is determined to provide secure and enjoyable travel experiences. This aligns with Thailand’s vision of a tourism-driven economy for 2025, as highlighted in the official report.
