Governor Saransak revealed the findings during the October provincial committee meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting brought together heads of government agencies to review key provincial initiatives, including public safety and infrastructure projects.
The ‘Khong Hua To’ installation, which has drawn widespread public interest and even some early criticism, was originally supported through fundraising by Rotary District 3330 and Patong Rotary Club working with the UK-based Safer Roads Foundation (SRF). The distinctive U-turns were designed to alert motorists and reduce speeding in the area.
“Before their installation, there were over 100 accidents [at the U-turn locations] in just the first five months of the year, including more than 50 student injuries and 10 fatalities,” Governor Saransak said. “After the installations, there have been no serious accidents and no student deaths. This is a clear example of a safety measure that truly benefits the public.”
The Governor acknowledged that during the early stages of the project, some residents had expressed concern about possible impacts on local travel and inconvenience caused by construction. However, post-installation data has proven overwhelmingly positive.
Traffic flow in the areas has also improved, Governor Saransak noted, with drivers reporting smoother travel and shorter journey times through what was once congestion-prone sections of road.
The success of the now-called ‘Khong Hua To’ follows a series of community-led road safety initiatives in Phuket, including the ‘Safe & Seamless U-Turn’ project on Thepkrasattri Rd, led by Rotary District 3330 and the UK-based Safer Roads Foundation (SRF).
The project was formally handed over to provincial authorities in September after a trial run found that the wider U-turns had reduced fatalities to zero in the trial areas and reduced travel times by up to 10 minutes.
The success of the community-backed effort underscores Phuket’s growing reputation as a model for road safety innovation in Thailand, Governor Saransak said, adding that the province would continue to support partnerships between local organisations, government agencies, and international safety groups to build on these achievements.
“Phuket’s goal is to make every road safe for all users,” he said. “The ‘Khong Hua To’ U-turns show what can be achieved when the community and authorities work together for public benefit.”