The impact, which occurred near the Thalang power station in Baan Lipon, Srisoonthorn, was caught on video and widely shared on social media.
The clip shows the car slamming into the barrier with a loud crash before speeding away, leaving the structure badly damaged.
The post, which carried the caption “Broken!! Less than a month, everything is damaged,” quickly drew widespread reaction online. Many netizens criticised the lack of lighting at the site, while others complained the new layout was causing more traffic congestion than before.
Comments included: “No lights at night, cars coming fast can’t see,” and “The barrier is on the other lane, and there’s no traffic light.” Others urged drivers to slow down, pointing out that cameras were in place.
Thalang Police Chief Col Nikorn Chuthong confirmed to The Phuket News today that officers are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vehicle and its driver.
“The person who hit the barrier has yet to be found. We’re still reviewing cameras, so we haven’t found the person and haven’t made any arrests,” Col Nikorn said. “If we do, the driver will first be charged with reckless driving, and then we can proceed with legal action.”
The barrier was part of recent safety measures introduced along Thepkrasattri Rd (Route 402), Phuket’s busiest highway. Just last week, the Rotary District 3330 and Patong Rotary Club, working with the UK-based Safer Roads Foundation (SRF), formally handed over the ‘Safe & Seamless U-Turn’ project to Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
The initiative, which included the installation of barriers and the closure of risky intersections, has been credited with eliminating fatalities in its test zone over the past four months while also reducing travel times and ambulance response delays.
However, the late-night crash in Thalang has highlighted ongoing concerns about visibility, lighting and driver behaviour at the newly modified U-turns.
Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the sedan involved to come forward as the investigation continues.
Additional reporting by Natnaree Likidwatanasakun