Australian ambassador highlights Phuket road safety concerns
Ambassador Kang said road safety was the main issue affecting Australian visitors to Phuket, as the province seeks to reduce its annual road death toll to below 100.
Australian Ambassador Kang identified road safety as the main concern affecting Australian visitors to Phuket during talks with provincial officials on July 31, 2026.
Kang said about 800,000 Australians visited Thailand last year, with roughly half travelling to Phuket. He added that around 11 direct flights a day currently connect Phuket with several Australian cities.
He said the greatest risk involved visitors who rent vehicles while on holiday and encouraged travellers to buy travel insurance before visiting Thailand.
More than 140 people were killed on Phuket’s roads last year, according to Phuket Governor Chotinrin, who said the province aims to bring the annual road toll below 100 this year. Officials have increased inspections of vehicle rental businesses to check that customers hold valid driving licences, while also stepping up enforcement against illegal e-cigarette use and smoking in prohibited public areas.
The meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall was attended by Australian Consul-General in Phuket Kirsten Fletcher, senior provincial officials, police, immigration and tourist police officers, disaster prevention officials, and representatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Chotinrin said Phuket was prioritising visitor safety through stricter law enforcement, traffic safety measures and emergency preparedness. He also highlighted the province’s tsunami warning system, disaster response planning and healthcare services.
The discussions concluded with an agreement to continue cooperation between Phuket authorities and the Australian Consulate-General in assisting Australian visitors.
