The handover took place yesterday (Nov 17) at Phuket Provincial Hall, where Vice Governor Adul Chuthong presided over the ceremony. Senior representatives from Thai Honda, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, government agencies, schools and businesses took part.
Thai Honda’s national programme is distributing 112,440 helmets across 77 provinces, valued at more than B112 million. In Phuket, 1,160 helmets were delivered to government agencies, disaster-prevention officials and schools under both the Vocational Education Commission and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC).
Vice Governor Adul praised the initiative, saying it helps strengthen a “helmet culture” among children and young people ‒ a critical step toward building long-term safety habits.
He noted that road safety remains a priority for the Ministry of Interior, which continues to push enforcement measures, awareness campaigns and youth education. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is also driving the policy of 100% helmet wearing to reduce fatalities and prevent head injuries.
“Phuket is committed to working with all sectors to build a sustainable road-safety culture,” he said. “Instilling the habit of wearing helmets from a young age will reduce risks and create a safer society.”
However, the helmet handover followed a separate event held at Darasamut Phuket School on Sunday (Nov 16) marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Vice Governor Adul again presided over the ceremony, joined by disaster-prevention officials, safety agencies, Rotary Clubs and local residents.
According to figures presented at the event, Phuket records an average of 143 road-death cases per year based on five-year data.
Fatalities spiked to 184 deaths in 2024. So far in 2025 (Jan 1-Nov 10), the province has recorded 112 fatalities, including 12 foreign tourists and 15 youths aged 0-24.
The province’s goal under the Road Safety Master Plan 2022–2027 is to cut annual road deaths to no more than 94 and serious injuries to no more than 1,314.
Officials said the strategy aligns with international safety frameworks and focuses on public awareness, law enforcement and building a long-term safety mindset among residents, drivers and tourists.
Also delivered at the event was a message from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who stressed the government’s commitment to reducing road deaths through strict ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ measures and nationwide cooperation.
“Cutting the chain of events that leads to preventable loss of life must be our priority,” the message said.