Although the first official accident and injury figures for Day 1 will not be released until tomorrow, national road safety monitoring agency ThaiRSC has already reported 54 people injured in road accidents today, with no deaths recorded.
The campaign, held annually during the Songkran holiday period, is aimed at reducing the spike in road and marine accidents typically seen during one of Thailand’s busiest travel seasons.
Data released yesterday (Apr 9) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office (DDPM Phuket) highlighted the risks leading into the campaign period. Officials recorded 28 recognised road accidents between Apr 3-9, resulting in 27 people being admitted to hospital and three fatalities.
However, as is usual, ThaiRSC reported a higher number of injuries for just the 24 hours prior to the campaign’s start, logging 53 people injured in road accidents across the island, though no deaths were recorded in that period.
Police and local officials have now deployed checkpoints at key locations across Phuket, targeting high-risk behaviours such as drink-driving, speeding and failure to wear helmets.
Inspections carried out this morning (Apr 10) by district officials and provincial leaders focused on operational readiness, traffic management and strict enforcement of road safety laws. Authorities also extended safety checks to maritime transport, with inspections at Ratsada Pier ensuring vessels complied with safety standards, including life-saving equipment and passenger limits.
Local municipalities, including Patong and Karon, have launched parallel safety campaigns, urging both residents and tourists to avoid drink-driving and adhere to traffic regulations. Emergency hotlines and rapid response teams have also been placed on standby throughout the festival period.
Ahead of the annual nationwide ‘Seven Days’ road and sea safety campaign getting underway, Phuket Provincial Police officially launched their Songkran safety campaign on Tuesday (Apr 7), under the theme ‘Safe Driving, Reduce Speed, Reduce Accidents’.
More than 350 personnel from multiple agencies have been deployed across the island to reduce road and marine incidents during the holiday period, supported by the establishment of a province-wide operations centre launched on Wednesday to intensify enforcement efforts.
Despite the heightened safety measures, Mueang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul cautioned that the Songkran period remains a high-risk time for travel.
“Songkran holiday remains one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year, with high traffic volumes increasing the risk of accidents despite enhanced enforcement,” he said.