The campaign was announced at a press launch at the Phuket Merlin Hotel yesterday (July 18), led by Region 8 Police Pol Lt Gen Suraphong Thanomchit and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.
Present for the launch were ambassadors, honorary consuls and car rental operators to address the pressing issue and propose viable solutions.
The initiative includes a comprehensive project and workshop designed to tackle the root causes of road accidents and raise awareness among foreign tourists using motorcycles, explained Pol Lt Gen Suraphong.
Pol Lt Gen Suraphong noted that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Situation Report on Road Safety in 2015, 1.25 million people die from road accidents worldwide each year, with Thailand having the highest number of road accidents in ASEAN at a rate of 36.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
“These accidents result in both direct and indirect losses, such as loss of income, physical disability and vehicle repair costs,” he said.
“The National Statistical Office reports that the main causes of accidents are driver-related, such as careless driving, speeding, and driving while intoxicated. Understanding the true causes of accidents can help prevent or reduce traffic incidents.
“In Phuket Province, the death rates from road accidents between 2019 and 2023 were 44.02, 32.83, 21.82, 32.84, and 40.93 per 100,000 population, respectively,” he added.
Phuket Provincial Police identified a lack of awareness and regulation among foreign tourists renting vehicles as a major contributor to these accidents. The absence of clear guidance from rental operators often leaves tourists unaware of local traffic rules, Pol Lt Gen Suraphong said.
The newly launched project aims to rectify this by compiling data from rental operators and educating tourists. The initiative includes creating a big data repository to analyze and address traffic accident problems effectively, he added.
“The statistics show an increase in accidents involving tourists using motorcycles in Phuket. To address this, we have partnered with Pakfang network and received funding from the Fund for Road Safety to tackle the problem immediately,” Pol Lt Gen Suraphong said.
As part of the event, Pol Lt Gen Suraphong handed out educational materials to commanders of all 11 police stations in Phuket. The materials emphasise the importance of having a valid driver’s license, adhering to a speed limit of 40km/h, abstaining from alcohol consumption, wearing helmets and ensuring insurance and vehicle registration are in place.
“We are grateful to the car rental operators who have joined the project. Together, we aim to reduce accidents. The police are here to provide guidance and advice. This initiative will not only reduce loss of life and property but also enhance Phuket’s image as a tourist destination and promote sustainable tourism,” Pol Lt Gen Suraphong concluded.