PHUKET — Phuket authorities have issued over 17,000 fines to foreign tourists caught driving without licenses this year, as part of a intensified campaign to improve road safety on the island. The crackdown, highlighted in a recent provincial meeting chaired by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, underscores persistent challenges despite ongoing enforcement efforts.

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Between August 1 and 22 alone, police recorded 1,423 cases of unlicensed driving and 172 violations for riding without helmets—totaling 1,769 offenses in just three weeks. Provincial Police Commander Major General Sinlert Sukhum confirmed that 17,705 foreigners and 2,261 Thai nationals have been penalized for unlicensed driving this year.

“We are not only fining offenders but also targeting rental companies that provide vehicles to unlicensed drivers,” Sinlert stated. He noted that Russians constitute the largest group among fined foreigners, reflecting Phuket’s popularity as a destination for Russian, Chinese, and European tourists. Penalties range from monetary fines to vehicle seizures, with over 20,000 foreigners cited in similar operations last year.

Over 17,000 foreigners fined in Phuket for driving without a licencehttps://t.co/f7TUb6eJ0C#Phuket #Thailand pic.twitter.com/HySsqytwIp

— TaaSaparot (@TaaSaparot) August 27, 2025

Despite the surge in violations, authorities observed gradual improvements in tourist behavior, particularly in helmet usage. To further reduce accidents, police are reviewing high-risk zones and installing a new traffic light system at the accident-prone Baan Noen intersection near Phuket International Airport, set to operational next month.

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The crackdown addresses long-standing concerns about reckless driving by tourists on rented scooters and motorcycles. Officials emphasize that stricter enforcement and infrastructure upgrades are essential to safeguarding both residents and visitors on the island’s busy roads.

-Thailand News (TN)