PHUKET, THAILAND – 110 people dead on Phuket roads in just six months. The death toll is soaring.
In the first half of 2026, 110 people died on Phuket’s streets. If the trend holds, the province expects more than 200 deaths by December – a 50 percent jump from last year’s 149.
In 2006, the island recorded over 300 traffic deaths. The new figures have sparked urgent action.
Five-point plan to tackle carnage
The provincial traffic safety committee has approved measures in five areas: public awareness, traffic discipline, emergency aid, aftercare and rehabilitation, and management.
The province warns foreign motorcyclists and car drivers specifically. The plan covers prevention, response during incidents, and post-crash support.
Lights out in two underpasses
Repair crews are working on lighting at the Samkong underpass and the Five-Way-Chalong underpass. Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom says pump systems at all five underpasses on the island are now working.
Samkong repairs should take about ten more days. Work at Five-Way-Chalong should finish within half a month. The province aims to complete everything by August 20.
Night work only
Crews can only work between 9pm and 6am. Daytime traffic is too heavy to allow repairs.
The tight night window has caused delays. Motorists should expect disruptions in the affected sections.
CCTV after bridge jumps
After people jumped from the Sarasin and Thao-Thep-Krasattri bridges, authorities have introduced surveillance measures. Patrols monitor the areas and report suspicious behaviour.
The data feeds into the PHUKET EYE system of the provincial police. That network includes more than 700 surveillance cameras. The Tha Chatchai Highway District supports the security monitoring.