On March 13, 2025, Police Colonel Thongkliang hosted Director Kittisopit for a significant meeting just two weeks after his appointment as head of Wichit Police. The discussion revolved around the well-known and problematic Darasamut Underpass, located at the intersection of Chao Fa West Rd., Bypass Rd., and Wichit Songkram Rd.
The Darasamut Underpass has long been recognized for its challenges, particularly its frequent accidents and the maintenance issues arising from its age. According to the Department of Public Relations Phuket (PR Phuket), the tunnel was the central topic during the meeting, which aimed at addressing the multiple problems associated with it. These spanned from regular vehicular incidents to continual closures for repair, maintenance, and necessary improvements related to drainage—a concern likely heightened as Phuket approaches its rainy season.
Following this meeting, the Wichit Police Department published statistics outlining traffic issues within the Darasamut Underpass throughout 2024. Interestingly, the police emphasized the nuance of these incidents, noting, "Accidents account for only half of such incidents, as many arise from vehicle breakdowns or running out of fuel." This highlights the intricacies involved, prompting police to seek proactive measures from the community.
To promote safety, law enforcement urged drivers to check their vehicles for readiness prior to embarking on journeys. The police expressed, "Please check the readiness of your vehicle before each trip for your safety and the safety of other road users. This small contribution from each of us leads to significant overall results." This message underlines the importance of collective responsibility among road users, especially as the region gears up for the rainy months.
During the meeting, Colonel Thongkliang also showcased the video surveillance system implemented within the operations center of the police station. This system proves beneficial for monitoring traffic flow and regulating vehicular movement. Thongkliang's experience with such technologies is relatively limited, particularly since he was previously stationed at Kamala, where similar systems might not have been as prevalent.
The way forward seems to hinge on improved communication and collaboration between the police force and other government departments involved, such as the Department of Highways. By focusing on technological advancements, like the surveillance system, and enhancing community awareness about road safety, authorities aim to mitigate the risks associated with the hazardous Darasamut Underpass.
Traffic safety is set to be reformed through these dialogues, as the wider community's contemplation of road conditions becomes imperative. With seasonal rains anticipated soon, the call for heightened awareness becomes even more pressing. It is pivotal for motorists to adopt safer driving practices, which will contribute significantly to reducing traffic incidents.
While the meeting was undoubtedly significant, the real challenge lies in transforming these discussions and recommendations for action. Collective efforts at community engagement and law enforcement focus on ensuring public safety can lead to substantial improvements concerning the infamous Darasamut Underpass.
Emerging from the meeting's discussions, effective changes and preventive measures will play a pivotal role as both residents and authorities strive to navigate the traffic-related issues DNA highlighted over the past months. The goal remains clear: fostering safer roads and minimizing adverse incidents to make travel through this busy intersection more secure for everyone.