Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum announced the results of police operations for 2025 at a small event held yesterday (Jan 29), saying the intensified crackdown was carried out in line with the policy of the Phuket Governor to enhance public safety, prevent crime and enforce the law more strictly, particularly in cases involving foreigners and rental vehicles.
Maj Gen Sinlert said police had focused on ensuring fair and equal legal proceedings for both renters and rental operators, with particular attention paid to unlicensed driving, which remains the most common traffic offence in the province.
“In enforcing the law against foreigners, police have intensified efforts to apprehend offenders, especially those driving without licences, while also rigorously prosecuting car and motorbike rental companies that allow such violations to occur,” he said.
According to Phuket Provincial Police statistics, a total of 30,551 traffic violation cases were recorded in 2025. The most common offence was driving without a licence, accounting for 26,515 cases. Other frequent violations included illegal parking in red-and-white no-parking zones (1,805 cases) and riding motorcycles without helmets (1,003 cases).
Of the total violations, 4,437 cases involved rented cars or motorbikes. With these cases, police issued 3,727 fines and seized 1,737 vehicles for inspection and legal proceedings.
In cases involving rental vehicles and unlicensed driving, police recorded 23,646 offenders, comprising 2,745 Thai nationals and 20,901 foreigners. The largest number of foreign offenders were Russian nationals (11,855 cases), followed by Chinese (1,841), British (1,491), French (1,442), Indian (1,134) and Myanmar nationals (825).
Maj Gen Sinlert said the Governor of Phuket had also instructed provincial agencies to integrate efforts with the Revenue Department to inspect car rental companies, with the aim of systematically addressing recurring violations and ensuring businesses comply with legal and tax requirements.
Authorities have also placed renewed emphasis on promoting traffic discipline, including helmet use and compliance with traffic laws.
Maj Gen Sinlert noted that accident statistics during the recent New Year holiday period showed an improvement compared to previous years.
During the New Year holidays, Phuket recorded five road fatalities, involving Thai nationals and foreign workers. No tourist deaths were reported, which officials described as a positive sign for Phuket’s international tourism image.
Further, just yesterday (Jan 29), Wichit Police stationed at the entry to the Darasamut Underpass reported catching 11 motorcycle riders attempting to illegally ride through the underpass, 15 individuals who did not have a driver’s license, two individuals who did not have a copy of their vehicle registration and two individuals whose annual vehicle tax had expired.
In addition to traffic enforcement, Maj Gen Sinlert said police would continue strict monitoring of illegal migrant workers and unlawful employment to prevent long-term social and security problems in the province.
PHUKET EYE
Maj Gen Sinlert also provided an update on the Phuket Eye (Phuket Eyes) surveillance project. Phase 1 of the project has now been completed, with a total investment of B98,739,100.
Under Phase 1, police installed and upgraded 503 CCTV cameras across the province, including 389 fixed-position cameras, 30 remotely controlled angle cameras, 16 licence plate recognition cameras and 68 facial recognition cameras. All footage is stored for 30 days and monitored through a central operations centre.
Looking ahead, Maj Gen Sinlert said plans are being prepared for Phase 2 of the Phuket Eye project, which will be submitted to the new government for consideration.
Phase 2 aims to upgrade the existing system to intelligent AI-powered cameras capable of analysing facial features, physical characteristics, clothing and vehicles, with links to databases of suspicious individuals and vehicles.
The system would allow authorities to track movements, proactively prevent crime and enable interested private sector operators to install additional cameras using a shared database, which already contains information on more than 10,000 individuals.
The proposed Phase 2 would include the installation of around 1,200 additional cameras, with a projected budget of B198 million. The plan also includes the installation of X-ray scanning systems at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint.
Maj Gen Sinlert confirmed police will continue strict law enforcement, combined with the use of technology and cooperation from all sectors, to enhance safety, build public confidence and bring lasting order to Phuket province.