PHANG NGA, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Highways has officially completed the expansion of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) between Ban Tam Nang and Khok Khian Intersection in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga province, strengthening transport links along the Andaman coast.
The upgraded section stretches approximately 8.5 kilometers and was completed with a construction budget of more than 648 million baht.
The project widened the roadway from two lanes to four lanes, with two traffic lanes in each direction separated by a concrete median barrier. The route also includes new asphalt concrete surfaces, wider shoulders, improved lighting systems, and warning signals to enhance visibility and road safety, particularly at night. Officials said the highway is a critical transport corridor for southern Thailand’s Andaman region, supporting agricultural and industrial logistics, interprovincial travel, and tourism connections between Phuket, Ranong, Chumphon, and nearby provinces.
The surrounding area has also experienced rapid economic and tourism growth in recent years, leading to heavier traffic volumes and increasing pressure on transport infrastructure. Authorities said the expanded highway will help reduce travel times, improve road safety, lower transport costs, and strengthen tourism access to major destinations in Phang Nga and the wider Andaman region.
In addition to improving transportation efficiency, the project also includes upgraded drainage systems designed to reduce long-standing flooding problems along the route. Officials believe the completed highway expansion will play an important role in supporting future economic growth, investment, and tourism development across Thailand’s southern Andaman corridor.
