Phuket splashes 4 million baht on motorcycle safety blitz
Phuket is gearing up for a major road safety push after receiving more than 4 million baht in funding to combat its deadly traffic problem, with motorcycles firmly in the crosshairs.
On March 26, Transport Officer Atcha Buachan chaired a high-level meeting at the Phuket Provincial Transport Office to outline the province’s road safety strategy for the fiscal year 2025.
The session brought together key officials, including Police Colonel Phasakon Santhikun, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police; Education Officer Panna Phromwichian; Public Relations Officer Sophon Kiemkarn; and other members of the Road Safety Fund subcommittee.
The focus? Reducing traffic accidents and fatalities, particularly those involving motorbikes, the leading cause of road deaths on the island.
“The 4,290,000 baht budget has been earmarked specifically for public awareness campaigns and motorcycle safety projects,” said Atcha. “Our goal is to see real, measurable improvements in accident prevention.”
The funding comes from the national Road Safety Fund, which allocates annual budgets to provinces across Thailand to support localised safety initiatives.
In Phuket, the plan is to tackle dangerous driving habits, promote helmet use, and improve awareness among young and inexperienced riders, especially during peak traffic periods and holiday seasons.
The subcommittee has already opened applications for proposals from organisations and agencies hoping to use part of the budget for road safety initiatives. Eligible projects must focus on prevention, education, and reducing the severity of accidents in Phuket’s high-risk zones.
Phuket’s roads have long been notorious for their high accident rates, particularly involving motorcycles, a common mode of transport for both locals and tourists.
In past years, the island has recorded hundreds of road incidents during major festivals like Songkran and new year, prompting repeated calls for stronger safety enforcement and education.
With this fresh injection of funds, officials are hoping to reverse the trend.
“We want to see a Phuket where safety on the roads is a given, not a gamble,” said Atcha.
The budget will be used for campaigns in schools, community outreach, signage, and collaboration with local media to spread safety messages, all aimed at making Phuket’s roads safer for everyone, two wheels or four, reported Phuket News.
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