Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn issued the directive during the latest meeting of the Phuket Provincial Joint Public-Private Sector Committee for Solving Economic Problems (PJPC), instructing relevant agencies to accelerate inspections and repairs on roads under the responsibility of the Highway Department.
The push follows earlier concerns over a B48.4 million project to upgrade electrical and lighting systems at five key underpasses, which had come under investigation after failing to begin work more than four months into its contract period.
At that time, officials warned that the contractor, Better World Traffic Co Ltd, could abandon the project, prompting scrutiny led by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Region 8 and multiple government agencies.
The project, signed on Sept 27, 2025, with a 210-day completion deadline of Apr 24, 2026, covers upgrades at Phuket Airport, Bang Khu, Samkong, Darasomut and the Chalong underpasses.
Planned works include installation of LED lighting, electrical fault warning systems, licence plate recognition technology, smart traffic signage and a centralised remote monitoring system to support Phuket’s ‘Smart City’ ambitions.
Despite the earlier delays, officials now say work has begun in earnest.
Sutham Phuaphun, head of the engineering division overseeing the project, confirmed that intensive construction started at 9pm on Thursday (Apr 23), with crews now operating on continuous day and night shifts across all five underpasses.
Daytime work runs from 9am to 6pm, while night operations continue from 9pm to 6am.
Authorities said the accelerated schedule is critical to ensure completion before schools reopen, when traffic volumes will increase significantly and daytime road closures will no longer be viable.
To facilitate the works, Phuket Provincial Police have permitted temporary closures of underpasses during off-peak hours, particularly between 9am and 4pm, when traffic is lighter. Officials noted that such measures will not be possible once the school term begins due to heavier congestion.
The Phuket Highway Department has been instructed to closely supervise the contractor and ensure all works meet engineering standards and are completed within the revised timeline, with penalties to be enforced if deadlines are missed.
The lighting upgrades form part of a broader initiative to establish a remote control and monitoring centre aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of Phuket’s underpass network. The total project budget remains B48,412,000.
In addition to the underpass works, the governor has ordered proactive inspections of streetlights across the island, emphasising the need for swift repairs to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Members of the public are encouraged to report faulty streetlights directly to the Phuket Highway Department at 076-212179 during office hours, or via the Highway Department hotline 1586, which operates 24 hours a day.
Officials stressed that tighter oversight, public participation and accelerated construction are key to ensuring the long-delayed project is finally delivered on schedule.