The ‘Phuket Province Operations Center for Preventing and Reducing Road and Sea Accidents during the Songkran Festival 2026’ was officially opened at Provincial Hall yesterday (Apr 8), led by Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaych00.
The move comes as officials prepare for a surge in both domestic and international visitors during the Thai New Year holiday, traditionally one of the busiest – and most dangerous – travel periods of the year.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Teeraphong stressed that managing increased traffic on roads and at sea would require strict coordination across all sectors, guided by the campaign theme ‘Safe Driving, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents’.
Measures are being implemented across two key fronts: land and marine transport.
On land, authorities have analysed past accident data to identify high-risk areas, with checkpoints, service points and roadblocks established across the island. These will be jointly operated by government agencies, local administrations, community groups and private-sector partners to both enforce the law and assist travellers.
At sea, safety operations have been integrated with the Marine Police, port authorities and tourist assistance centres, with additional support from the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), which has deployed personnel and rescue equipment to ensure rapid response in the event of an incident.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway, led by the provincial public relations office, promoting the message ‘Don’t Drink and Drive During Songkran’. Businesses and workers are being targeted for outreach, while affordable accident insurance is being promoted to increase coverage for both residents and visitors.
The operations centre will run during the traditional ‘Seven Days of Danger’, which this Songkran will be from Apr 10-16.
More than 350 personnel from government agencies, private organisations, local authorities, foundations and volunteer groups have been mobilised to support the campaign.
Separately, the PPAO confirmed its participation in the coordinated effort, sending senior officials and disaster prevention officers to support operations at the centre.
Officials said the integrated approach reflects a unified push to reduce accidents and improve safety across all transport modes during the festival.
Meanwhile, Phuket International Airport has also declared full readiness for the holiday period, with a separate deployment ceremony held this morning to ensure security and facilitate passenger travel.
Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode led the mobilisation at the international terminal, bringing together airport authorities, police, immigration, customs, military units and airline operators.
The airport expects a significant increase in passenger traffic from Apr 11-19, and has integrated security and service operations to ensure both safety and convenience for travellers.
Authorities said the combined efforts on land, at sea and in the air are aimed at boosting tourist confidence while reducing accidents during one of Thailand’s most high-risk travel periods.
Phuket officials also urged the public to comply with traffic laws and report dangerous conditions, with rapid response teams on standby throughout the Songkran holiday.