The figures were confirmed at a follow-up meeting held at 9am today (Apr 16) at Phuket Provincial Hall, where authorities reviewed ongoing accident prevention efforts during the national road and marine safety campaign.
The meeting, chaired by Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Adcha Buachan and attended by Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) Chief Warat Surawadee and relevant agencies, focused on tightening safety measures as the holiday period nears its end.
Officials reported that between April 10-15, a total of 28 accidents were recorded, resulting in four fatalities, comprising three men and one woman. All those killed were Thai nationals.
During the same period there were 26 people “injured” ‒ meaning they were required to be admitted to hospital for treatment ‒ comprising 20 men and six women.
Among the injured, most were Thai nationals (13), followed by Myanmar nationals (six), with additional casualties including tourists from Russia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France and Germany.
Yesterday (Apr 15), the sixth day of the campaign, five accidents resulted in seven injuries ‒ six men and one woman ‒ but no deaths.
Authorities’ analysis showed motorcycles were involved in 92.86% of all accidents, reinforcing their position as the primary risk factor on Phuket roads. Speeding was identified as the leading cause, followed by drunk driving and sudden lane changes.
Not wearing a helmet was highlighted as a critical factor contributing to fatalities, accounting for 38% of deaths.
Most accidents occurred on main roads and in urban areas, with the highest risk period identified as the early morning hours between 3:01am and 6am. The most affected demographic group was working-age people aged 25-34, with men accounting for the majority of victims.
Officials reiterated directives from central and provincial authorities to intensify traffic management during the return travel period. Measures include setting up checkpoints and service points in high-risk areas, screening drivers for fatigue and alcohol consumption, and strictly enforcing laws targeting the “10 main offences”.
Public campaigns are also continuing to discourage risky behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving and riding in the back of pickup trucks.
Transport safety inspections have so far reported no irregularities. Yesterday, more than 3,200 passengers passed through Phuket’s two bus terminals, with 183 buses and nearly 200 drivers inspected.
Meanwhile, marine safety authorities continue to enforce strict measures at sea, with particular attention being paid to weather conditions.
Tourism activity remains strong, with cruise ships bringing more than 1,800 passengers to the island during the reporting period.
The Phuket Office of the Insurance Commission confirmed that most injured victims have been able to access compensation under the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Act and Social Security in line with procedures.
Officials stressed the importance of maintaining “community checkpoints” and “family checkpoints”, urging the public to assess their physical condition before travelling and to rest when fatigued.
National data from the Thai Road Safety Centre (ThaiRSC) shows a mixed picture. While injuries have slightly decreased compared with the same period last year ‒ from 539 to 527 ‒ fatalities have risen from zero to four.
Motorcycles continue to dominate as the vehicle involved in accidents nationwide, accounting for 91.9% of cases.
Peak accident periods this year have shifted to daytime hours, particularly between 10am and 2pm, with additional spikes around midday and early evening.
Authorities say they will maintain strict enforcement and safety campaigns through the last day of the Songkran campaign, which concludes at midnight tonight (Apr 16) in a bid to prevent further loss of life.