SONGKHLA, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited Songkhla Province to inspect the improved Thepha Highway District Rest Area along Highway No. 43, a key transport corridor connecting major economic zones, tourism routes, and access to the three southern border provinces. The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Department of Highways, provincial authorities, and local community representatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the rest area plays a significant role in enhancing road safety, with the capacity to accommodate four trucks and 15–20 private vehicles. He encouraged motorists to use the facility when fatigued, particularly during the upcoming long holiday period. The rest area is equipped with essential facilities, including restrooms, a prayer room for Muslim travelers, and local shops. He expressed hope that the site would serve as a model for safe, standardized services across the region.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also reviewed ongoing measures to address coastal erosion along Thepha’s shoreline. The Department of Highways is constructing rock revetments to protect road infrastructure and reduce long-term impacts on local communities. He emphasized the need for integrated cooperation among the Marine Department, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, and local authorities to develop a sustainable, comprehensive plan to protect the southern coastline.
The Department of Highways reported ongoing upgrades to the provincial road network to boost regional economic activity, tourism, and safe mobility. Current works include improvements to Highway No. 43 and the development of the Thepha Rest Area. These projects are implemented with participation from local authorities, the private sector, and community members to ensure transparency and alignment with local needs. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to improving road infrastructure to support quality of life and economic stability across southern Thailand. (NNT)
