Phuket residents seek answers over smoking road

Phuket residents are demanding an investigation into smoke and a burning smell emanating from cracks in a road in the Thalang district, raising concerns about potential risks to motorists and pedestrians. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has been asked to inspect a road near the Ban Lipon Intersection, as residents reported seeing smoke rising through the road surface and smelling what they believed to be burning electrical cable.

A local woman, who operates a som tam stall nearby, first noticed the smoke on September 20 during a rainstorm. She initially thought it was due to a cigarette being dropped on the road, but found no evidence of anyone smoking in the area. The smoke reportedly stopped by late morning, leaving residents frightened as no agency had visited the site to investigate or repair the road.

Some residents suspect an underground power cable may have short-circuited, but they could not confirm the source of the smoke. Intermittent popping sounds were heard beneath the road, leading to speculation that the issue could involve an underground electrical line, communications cable, or another source. The junction is a high-traffic area, prompting residents to urge the electricity authority and other relevant agencies to inspect the area promptly to avoid potential hazards to drivers or pedestrians.

As of now, the PEA and other government agencies have not issued a statement regarding the incident, and it remains uncertain whether the smoke is still coming from the cracks or if the problem has ceased.