Phuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel
Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth.
Jakkrapong Thamuntree, Director of Phuket’s Department of Rural Roads (DRR), revealed that 20 rural roads spanning 126 kilometres(km) have been earmarked for upgrades under the Phuket Provincial Development Plan. These projects promise better access to top tourist destinations, piers, and local landmarks.
“The initiative will improve convenience, speed, and safety for travellers, elevate road safety standards, and reinforce Phuket’s reputation as a premier international tourist destination.”
Key projects include:
- Rural Road 4018 (13.2km): Links to Nai Thon, Banana, and Layan Beaches.
- Rural Road 4055 (2.9km): Connects to Patong Beach and Bangla Walking Street.
- Rural Road 4038 (7.8km): Leads to Bang Wad Dam.
- Rural Road 3030 (10.6km): Enhances travel from the airport to Patong via Baan Kathu.
- Rural Road 4027 (2.5km): Access to Nai Yang National Park.
- Rural Road 4009 (2.7km): Rawai Beach to Laem Phromthep.
Pier connection roads, like Rural Road 4005 (9.5km to Laem Sai Pier), are also prioritised.
This year, 190.7 million baht has been allocated for 31 projects, with an additional 136 million planned for 2025, reported The Phuket News.
Governor Sophon stressed that these developments are vital for Phuket’s long-term sustainability, saying they’ll “enhance infrastructure while driving economic growth.”
In related news, a video clip sparking safety concerns has taken social media by storm, showing a lorry missing a wheel and with a bulging tyre, driving along Thep Kasattri Road, in Thalang, Phuket. Shared by a popular local social media page, the 27-second video amassed significant attention and stirred a variety of reactions online.
In other news, in a proactive move to address complaints over potentially dangerous road conditions, Pattaya City Council member Wutthithorn Saengurai inspected an ongoing road project on Sukhumvit Road near the South Pattaya intersection on November 14.
