Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon this morning (Apr 13) chaired the daily briefing for Apr 12, the second day of the ‘Seven Days’ safety campaign for Songkran 2024.
For the 24 hours of yesterday, officials recognised six accidents in Muang District, with six people admitted to hospital, and two accidents in Kathu District resulting in two people admitted to hospital.
Only one of the people admitted to hospital for injuries was a ’foreigner’ (not incuding one Myanmar national), said the daily report prepared by the Phuket branch of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket).
The ‘Seven Days’ safety campaign for Songkran 2024 began at midnight Wednesday night and will continue through to midnight next Wednesday night (Apr 17).
Phuket last year concluded the Seven Days safety campaign for Songkran with five people killed and 51 people admitted to hospital for injuries sustained in road accidents.
Meanwhile, two cars collided on Patong Hill this morning. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat inspected the scene of the accident in person. Officials have yet to confirm any injuries suffered in that accident.
ThaiRSC currently reports 55 deaths and 7,900 people injured in road accidents in Phuket since Jan 1.
Phuket Vice Governor Norasak this morning pointed out that speeding and failure to wear helmets were the primary causes of the injuries and road accidents.
There were 11 main checkpoints across the island, he added.
The efforts to prevent and reduce marine accidents have been successful so far, V/Gov Norsak said, with no reported incidents. The Phuket Marine Office is emphasising boat safety and life jacket use, alongside random drug testing for boat drivers.
Phuket police have been tasked with enforcing laws around the sale of alcohol, including ensuring it is not sold to those under 20. Community and family checkpoints will monitor risky behaviour and provide advice and warnings. Local government organisations and leaders will take proactive measures, such as door-to-door visits, to address risks, he added.
Public service points will offer convenience and safety to locals and tourists, including clear warning signs for road safety in areas where U-turns are closed, V/Gov Norsak said.