Trat city opposes Koh Chang expressway, fears economic impact
Residents and business owners in Trat city have expressed strong opposition to a proposed 5.9-kilometre expressway connecting Laem Ngob district to Koh Chang. They contend that this new route, which bypasses the city, could adversely affect the local economy.
A second public consultation for the expressway project took place at Trat City Hotel in Mueang district on Wednesday, April 2. The meeting was overseen by Trat deputy governor Damrongsak Yodtongdee and Expressway Authority of Thailand deputy governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee. The event attracted over 400 attendees, including government officials, private sector representatives, and residents.
A previous consultation in Koh Chang district saw local support for the construction in the Ban Dan Kao area of Koh Chang subdistrict. This project, managed by Chanwit Artsamiti, is supported by five consulting firms.
During the recent hearing, a video presentation summarised feedback and findings from engineering, economic, and environmental studies. It was decided that the expressway should start near the ferry pier at Ao Thammachat in Khlong Yai subdistrict, Laem Ngop district.
The expressway would span at least 5.9 kilometres with four traffic lanes, and completion is anticipated to take four years. The construction is estimated to cost 10 billion baht, with the final proposal expected by late 2025 after the final public hearing.
Reports indicate that the selected route will run south along Rural Highway No.4066, traverse agricultural land, coastal waters, and connect to Koh Chang through the Ban Dan Mai community.
Despite this, numerous attendees including local politicians, residents, and representatives from media outlets, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Association of Domestic Travel, the Trat Chamber of Commerce, and the Fisheries Association of Trat, expressed their concerns.
They objected to the expressway’s proposed starting point at Ao Thammachat, arguing that it would bypass Trat city and deny it economic benefits. With 2.2 million tourists annually heading to islands like Koh Chang or Koh Kood, the city stands to lose potential revenue, potentially benefiting nearby Chanthaburi province instead, reported Bangkok Post.
Katpachon acknowledged that although the proposed route is more cost-effective, alternative routes favoured by locals could nearly double the costs.
Latest Thailand News
