The figure was revealed at a meeting of provincial government and agency chiefs held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Aug 25), chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Reporting on traffic enforcement from Aug 1–22, Maj Gen Sinlert said the most common offence among people driving their own vehicles was driving without a licence, with 1,423 cases recorded. This was followed by not wearing a helmet, with 172 cases, making a total of 1,769 cases during the three-week period.
More broadly, police enforcement this year has seen 2,261 Thai nationals and 17,705 foreigners caught driving without a licence. Those arrested have faced fines and, in some cases, their vehicles have been seized.
“This is a measure we have been enforcing since last year to determine whether foreigners driving in Phuket have licences,” Maj Gen Sinlert told The Phuket News.
“We also check and fine drivers, and take legal action against those who rent vehicles and allow unlicensed drivers to drive,” he added.
Maj Gen Sinlert said last year more than 20,000 foreigners were caught driving without a licence in Phuket. “The top group this year are Russians,” he noted.
Despite the high numbers, he said there had been an improvement in safety behaviour among foreigners. “So far, I believe foreigners have improved their behaviour in terms of wearing helmets while driving. I believe there have been results in arrests and improved behaviour.”
Looking to reduce accidents further, Maj Gen Sinlert reported that safety upgrades are being carried out at accident-prone areas. One key project is the installation of a new traffic light system at the busy Baan Noen intersection in front of Phuket International Airport.
“This is expected to be completed and operational early next month,” he said.