Phuket Launches Songkran Road Safety Crackdown with “Seven Dangerous Days” Campaign

Phuket has rolled out an intensified road safety campaign ahead of the Songkran holiday, traditionally known as the “Seven Dangerous Days.” This year, the monitoring period runs from April 10 to 16, although the familiar name was notably absent from official announcements.

On April 8, provincial authorities conducted a formal inspection of emergency services and launched an operational center dedicated to transport safety across both land and sea. While official communications avoided directly referencing the campaign’s traditional title and dates, they confirmed the implementation of stricter road safety measures.

Among the key actions are the identification of high-risk areas based on past accident data, the installation of checkpoints and roadblocks, and the full mobilization of resources to ensure smoother and safer traffic flow during the holiday period.

According to data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket) and the Thai Road Safety Center (ThaiRSC), the province recorded 50 confirmed road fatalities since the beginning of the year. Both sources report consistent figures.

Between April 1 and 9, four fatal accidents were documented. Three of these occurred during the period leading up to the campaign, defined in official reports as April 3 to 9. Authorities are expected to continue publishing daily statistics throughout the enforcement period.

In parallel, Thai police have intensified enforcement of traffic laws since April 1, warning drivers of stricter penalties for violations. Particular attention is being paid to ten key offences, with fines and legal consequences clearly outlined.

Speeding and running red lights can result in fines of up to 4,000 baht, as can failing to yield to pedestrians or using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device. Driving against traffic carries a penalty of up to 2,000 baht.

Motorcyclists without helmets and drivers not wearing seat belts also face fines of up to 2,000 baht. Operating a vehicle without a valid Thai driver’s license can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 baht and possible imprisonment for up to one month.

More serious violations, such as drunk driving or reckless driving that endangers public safety, carry significantly harsher penalties. Offenders may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Authorities stress that these measures are aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring public safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.