NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn officially opened the expanded Highway 4140, linking Tha Sala and Nopphitam districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, on July 19. This upgrade is intended to improve regional travel and enhance local quality of life. At the ceremony, Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Somchai Leelanoi and Department of Highways Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister. He noted that this highway, along with other transport projects in eight districts, is intended to improve access to education and healthcare, and to support agricultural transport, tourism, and local trade.
To maximize efficiency, the Deputy Prime Minister directed the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads to integrate their operations. He outlined three core principles: prioritize safety by reducing risk and ensuring proper lighting, ensure efficient connections between main and minor roads, and incorporate public feedback into all projects. Director-General Piyapong stated that Highway 4140 was developed under the national highway network plan with a budget of 799 million baht. The 17.5-kilometer project, built from 2023 to 2026, expanded the road from two to four lanes and added comprehensive lighting and safety equipment. The Ministry stated that the upgraded highway will reduce travel time and logistics costs, improve road safety, and stimulate the regional economy. Its completion demonstrates strong policy support and effective collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to establish Nakhon Si Thammarat as a central hub for the southern economy. (NNT)
