“Exciting news for tourism in Thailand’s Andaman coast as the government focuses on enhancing transportation infrastructure in Phuket! Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inspected ongoing projects like the Second Phuket Airport and Krabi Airport Upgrade. Let’s work together to improve the tourism sector while also considering environmental impact and residents’ livelihoods. #ThailandTourism #Phuket #AndamanCoast #SustainableTourism #InfrastructureDevelopment”
Government Supports Phuket Infrastructure Projects
In an effort to enhance tourism along the Andaman coast, the government is pushing forward with transportation infrastructure development projects in the southern island province of Phuket. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, visited Phuket to inspect the ongoing projects aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
Upon arrival at Phuket airport, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke remarked that Prime Minister Srettha received briefings on the various projects underway from officials of the respective agencies.
Major Projects in Development
Some of the notable projects include:
- Second Phuket Airport: Estimated cost of 5.8 billion baht for the construction of this new airport.
- Krabi Airport Upgrade: An investment of 2.7 billion baht to improve its facilities.
- International Airport in Phangnga: The 80-billion-baht project planned for Phangnga’s Takua Thung district.
- Kathu-Patong Expressway: This 3.98-kilometer expressway is being constructed in Phuket.
- Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway: A 30.26-kilometer expressway is in progress.
Additionally, the Department of Highways plans to expand the 4.55-kilometer Highway No.4207 to four lanes and construct an interchange at the kilometer marker post No.34+680.
Collaboration for a Stronger Economy
After the briefing, Prime Minister Srettha expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to improve the tourism sector, which he believes is essential for economic revitalization. He showed confidence in Phuket’s potential as a model for economic stimulus, connecting visitors to Krabi and Phangnga and forming the Andaman coast tourism cluster.
Each province within the cluster offers unique characteristics that cater to different groups of visitors. The government aims to ensure continuity in development projects during its four-year term, even as some are already underway.
Ensuring Safety and Happiness for Visitors
Prime Minister Srettha instructed relevant agencies to prioritize the safety and happiness of tourists visiting Phuket, from arrival to departure. He also visited the construction site of the Kathu-Patong expressway and met with locals to listen to their opinions on traffic issues related to tourism.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to speeding up infrastructure development projects to attract more tourists to the island province, adding that the budget for the projects should be spent prudently for the people’s benefit. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of considering the environmental impact and residents’ livelihoods when undertaking construction projects.
Focus on Phangnga International Airport and Fair Compensation
During his visit to Phangnga, Prime Minister Srettha was briefed on the international airport project, which covers approximately 7,400 rai in the Takua Thung district. He stressed that the project should not adversely affect local residents and that fair compensation must be provided for any land expropriated.
He also mentioned the importance of building transport systems to connect with the planned airport and constructing utility infrastructure to prepare for urban expansion around the airport in the future.
Upcoming Infrastructure Proposals
Transport Minister Suriya previously mentioned that the ministry is preparing to propose seven infrastructure projects worth 148 billion baht to improve land and air transport facilities on Phuket. These projects include multiple highways across Phuket, highway extensions, overpasses, and the second Phuket airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major infrastructure projects being developed in Phuket and the Andaman Coast?
Some of the notable projects include the Second Phuket Airport, Krabi Airport Upgrade, International Airport in Phangnga, Kathu-Patong Expressway, and Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway. Additionally, the Department of Highways plans to expand Highway No.4207 and construct an interchange at the kilometer marker post No.34+680.
How is the Thai government ensuring the safety and happiness of tourists, as well as considering the environmental impact and residents’ livelihoods in these projects?
Prime Minister Srettha has instructed relevant agencies to prioritize the safety and happiness of tourists visiting Phuket and to consider the environmental impact and residents’ livelihoods when undertaking construction projects. He also met with locals to listen to their opinions on traffic issues related to tourism and emphasized the importance of spending the budget prudently for the people’s benefit.
What are the upcoming infrastructure proposals mentioned by Transport Minister Suriya?
The ministry is preparing to propose seven infrastructure projects worth 148 billion baht to improve land and air transport facilities on Phuket. These projects include multiple highways across Phuket, highway extensions, overpasses, and the second Phuket airport.
