BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport is preparing to sign construction contracts in June for two major bridge projects linking Lanta Island in Krabi province and connecting areas across Songkhla Lake between Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said both projects are currently undergoing procedures within the Ministry of Finance before being forwarded to the Cabinet for approval. The Department of Rural Roads has completed preparations and is ready to begin construction immediately after contracts are signed, with work expected to take about three years.
Previous delays were linked to environmental conditions affecting campaigns to protect the remaining Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake, where authorities estimate only 14 to 20 dolphins remain. The government has approved an additional 400 million baht for conservation measures, including a dolphin nursery and breeding center, environmental management systems, and artificial insemination technology intended to reduce genetic risks within the small population.
The conservation measures were required before the projects could proceed under World Bank environmental conditions. The ministry said the bridge projects are expected to improve transportation, tourism, and regional connectivity while supporting long-term environmental conservation in southern Thailand. (NNT)
