The Transport Ministry is preparing to transform Phuket into the Andaman region’s main transport hub, aiming to make the island a model for logistics and mobility development across southern provinces.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced the plan on Monday during a high-level meeting to review nine major infrastructure projects worth a combined 130 billion baht.
Phuket governor Saransak Srikruanet and representatives from key agencies — including the Department of Highways, Marine Department, and State Railway of Thailand — attended the session.
Projects seeking funding include the 16.76-billion-baht Kathu-Patong Tunnel, expected to cut travel time between the airport and Patong to 20 minutes; the 46.75-billion-baht Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway; and the 1.3-billion-baht Muang Mai-Airport Junction flyover.
Other initiatives include the expansion of Highway 4027, a traffic management upgrade, and the 46-billion-baht Phase 1 Light Rail Transit system linking Phuket airport to Chalong Intersection.
Additional developments include the Andaman Port project connecting Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket; a new cruise terminal for large vessels; and Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project, which aims to boost annual passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million.
“These initiatives will be a game changer for Phuket over the next five years,” Mr Phiphat said. “They will ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and solidify the island’s status as a global smart mobility hub.”
Phuket Chamber of Commerce president Kongsak Khoopongsakorn urged the government to fast-track implementation, citing daily traffic woes and the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.