The ‘Safe & Seamless U-Turn’ project on Thepkrasattri Rd (Route 402) was formally handed over to Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Provincial Hall today (Sept 11).
Tasanee Silpabut, SRF’s representative in Thailand, presented the project alongside local partners to the governor, who praised it as a model for nationwide adoption.
Route 402, the major road linking Phang Nga, Phuket International Airport and the island’s main tourist areas, has long been known for its notorious blackspots. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 340 injuries and 30 deaths were recorded at just eight U-turns and the Heroines Monument.
To tackle the danger, the SRF joined forces with Patong Rotary, Rotary Club District 3330, ThaiHealth, the Phuket Accident Prevention Network and local agencies including the Phuket Highways Office, Phuket Provincial Police and the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO).
The pilot project saw barriers and cones installed to separate U-turn traffic, while the Thalang (Ban Kian) intersection was closed to reduce congestion.
The measures have proved highly effective, said an official report of today’s handover event.
Over the past four months, no fatalities have occurred in the test zone. Travel times from Muang Mai to Koh Kaew have been cut by around 10 minutes, while ambulance response times from Thalang Hospital have halved on key routes.
Public response has also been positive: 90.5% of people surveyed supported the changes, two-thirds said they felt safer, and 40% reported reduced travel time.
On the back of this success, the SRF has funded a B6.23 million permanent upgrade of the U-turns and the roads around the Heroines Monument.
“This project shows how international cooperation and community action can save lives,” Governor Sophon said at the handover.
“It will not only improve safety and efficiency in Phuket, but also provide a model for other provinces across Thailand.”