Phuket Accelerates Tunnel Repairs, Road Safety Measures, and Sarasin Bridge Surveillance

Phuket authorities have stepped up efforts to improve road safety and public security, with Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom overseeing inspections of tunnel infrastructure, traffic safety measures, and surveillance systems at Sarasin Bridge.

The inspection brought together officials from the provincial transport office, highway authorities, and public health agencies to review ongoing projects aimed at easing congestion and reducing road accidents across the island.

According to the governor, recent changes to U-turn lanes at Hua To have already helped improve traffic flow. Attention is now focused on repairing lighting systems inside Phuket’s underpasses. The province has five road tunnels, with lighting upgrades still in progress at two of them. To minimize disruption, maintenance work is carried out only between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., with all repairs expected to be completed by August 20, 2026.

Road safety remains a major concern. During the first six months of 2026, around 110 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Phuket. If the current trend continues, the annual death toll could exceed 200 fatalities, representing an increase of roughly 50% compared with the previous year.

In response, the provincial road safety committee is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes:

• Public awareness and road safety campaigns

• Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations

• Improved emergency response capabilities

• Rehabilitation support for accident victims

• Greater coordination between government agencies

Officials also reviewed security measures at Sarasin Bridge, where several recent incidents involving people jumping into the water have raised public concern. Authorities plan to increase patrols in the area while expanding surveillance through the Phuket Eye system, which integrates more than 700 CCTV cameras. Highway police stationed near Tha Chat Chai will also reinforce monitoring around the bridge.

Governor Chotnarin said the province remains committed to improving safety for both residents and visitors by modernizing infrastructure, strengthening accident prevention, and expanding security measures across Phuket.