New highway and pier projects aim to connect Thailand’s coasts, boosting logistics, tourism, and regional economies.
SURAT THANI, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presented a strategic plan to connect the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand during an official visit to Surat Thani Province on June 21. The Deputy Prime Minister outlined plans for a cross-peninsular highway linking Kapoe District in Ranong Province to Chaiya District of Surat Thani Province, as well as for the development of the Phumriang passenger pier, to enhance national logistics and regional tourism infrastructure. The Deputy Minister of Transport stated that the Kapoe-Chaiya highway is a vital new economic corridor connecting the two coasts. This route will accelerate industrial logistics and boost tourism by providing a direct link from Ranong on the Andaman coast to destinations such as Koh Samui in Surat Thani.
The project involves expanding existing roads and constructing 47.28 kilometers of new sections. This will shorten the cross-peninsula route by over 70 kilometers and reduce travel time from 2.5 hours to 1.45 hours. The Ministry of Transport will coordinate this development with three Department of Highways initiatives: widening shoulders on Highway 4191, building an interchange at the Highway 41 junction, and constructing a Chaiya bypass road. All phases will be aligned with comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). The Deputy Prime Minister also reviewed the development of the public passenger pier in Phumriang Subdistrict to modernize maritime transport and enhance traveler safety. He emphasized that the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is committed to using these inter-coastal connections to position Thailand as a regional logistics and tourism hub while supporting local economies. (NNT)
