New bridge to Koh Lanta approved

KRABI: Construction of a bridge linking Koh Lanta with the mainland in Krabi has been approved by the central government, it was announced last week.

The new 1.5km bridge is to stretch from Hua Hin Pier on the mainland to Klong Maak Pier on Lanta Noi.

The crossing will facilitate the approximately five million tourists visiting the island annually, who currently have to rely on ferry boat services operating between the two points.

“The PM has approved the construction of the new Lanta bridge,” said Krabi Governor Pinit Boonlert.

“Initial designs are estimated to cost 20 million baht and construction of the bridge is estimated at around 800 million baht,” he added.

The project, managed in joint cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Transportation, is expected to be completed by 2023.

The first bridge between Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai officially opened in April (story here).

— Kritsada Mueanhawong