Phuket’s Songkran safety campaign highlights it as a top travel destination

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The ongoing Seven Days safety campaign in Phuket, initiated on April 11 for the Songkran festival of 2024, has so far proven effective in enhancing road safety on the island, as reported by the Phuket branch of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket). Since the start of the campaign, there have been no road fatalities, although 39 incidents resulting in injuries have been recorded over the past four days.

According to the details shared by DDPM Phuket, the campaign’s fifth day alone, which was on April 15, witnessed nine accidents that led to nine individuals getting injured. The distribution of these accidents included two in Mueang District and another two in Thalang District, with one person injured in each accident, and six in Kathu District resulting in six injuries. This data also highlighted the nationality of the victims, revealing that the majority were Thai nationals, followed by individuals from Myanmar and other foreign nationals.

Interestingly, the ThaiRSC, a national road safety agency, reported a slightly higher number of injuries—49 in Phuket on the same day—but confirmed the absence of any fatalities, aligning with the DDPM Phuket’s findings. The safety campaign is set to continue through to midnight on April 17, aiming to improve upon last year’s figures which saw five deaths and 51 injuries from road accidents during the same period as reported by The Phuket News.

Since the beginning of the year, ThaiRSC has recorded a total of 55 deaths and 8,121 injuries from road accidents in Phuket. However, the current safety campaign is showing a promising decrease in fatalities, a testament to its effectiveness.

Concurrently, Songkran celebrations have been drawing significant crowds. The festivities commenced energetically on Bangla Road on April 12, with peak celebrations expected on April 13. Thaweewong Road and Soi Bangla saw large gatherings of both local residents and international tourists, all participating in the renowned water-splashing events.

This safety initiative and the vibrant Songkran festivities together contribute positively to Phuket’s tourism sector, promoting the island not only as a destination of rich cultural celebrations but also as a place committed to the safety of its residents and visitors. Such measures are essential for sustaining tourism by ensuring that visitors can enjoy their time safely, setting a global example of how festive periods can be managed effectively to balance celebration with safety.

« Back to Page