PHUKET, THAILAND – Four people were killed and dozens injured in road crashes on the resort island during the New Year holiday period, according to provisional figures from local authorities.
Four dead in 39 holiday crashes
The accident prevention center on Phuket recorded 39 road accidents between 30 December and 2 January, in which four people died. Two fatalities occurred in Mueang Phuket district and two in Thalang, while Kathu district, which includes Patong, reported no deaths.
The worst day was 1 January, with three deaths and 16 accidents. In total, 43 people were injured in crashes during the reporting period.
Motorbikes involved in over 92% of incidents
Authorities said motorbikes were involved in 38 of the 39 recorded accidents, representing more than 92 percent of all cases. Only one accident involved a car, and most collisions happened on highways, followed by urban roads.
The figures highlighted the high risk faced by visiting moped tourists and local riders on two wheels. Officials pointed to this pattern as a central concern for road safety on the island.
Speed, alcohol and missing helmets blamed
Investigators identified excessive speed as the primary cause in 72 percent of all accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol accounted for a further 26 percent of crashes, while not wearing a helmet was cited as a major additional risk factor.
“The combination of speed, alcohol and recklessness is deadly.”
said a security officer.
Night-time and rush hour most dangerous
The accident statistics showed a clear time pattern, with most crashes occurring in the early morning hours between 0:01 and 3:00. The second-highest accident period was the morning rush hour between 6:01 and 9:00, times associated with fatigue and residual alcohol.
The most frequently injured age group was 25- to 34-year-olds. All four people who died in the recorded accidents were Thai nationals.
Police extend strict checks through 5 January
Authorities urged all drivers to strictly follow traffic rules and regulations.
“Speed limits, mandatory helmet use and the alcohol ban are not suggestions.”
said the authorities in their statement.
Intensive monitoring with checkpoints and roadside inspections was set to continue until midnight on 5 January, as the officially designated “Seven Dangerous Days” had not yet ended. In 2025, road traffic on Phuket claimed 114 lives and left 27,502 people injured, and officials warned that the current figures threatened to extend this grim record.
Tourists urged to ride only if experienced and sober
Officials said tourists on the island needed to exercise maximum caution, especially when renting scooters. They advised that rental motorbikes should be ridden only by experienced and sober drivers.
A valid driving licence and comprehensive insurance were described as essential, and riders were told to wear a helmet at all times, even on short trips. Authorities stressed that Thailand’s strict traffic rules could save lives and that a dream holiday should not end on the road.