Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has affirmed the Phuket Expressway project will proceed as planned, dispelling fears of a delay or cancellation, with bidding set for next year.
Mr Phiphat said the project, particularly the Kathu-Patong tunnel section, will move forward according to the original plan.
“This project is a crucial piece of Phuket’s infrastructure, designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce road accidents on the main route connecting Phuket town and Patong beach,” Mr Phiphat said.
“The Transport Ministry is following the planned timeline — there will be no suspension or postponement.”
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) is now preparing for the procurement process, with bidding expected to open and contracts awarded next year, allowing construction to begin later the same year.
The project will be in two phases: Phase 1: The Kathu-Patong section, some 3.98km long; and Phase 2: The Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu section, 30.6km long.
Both phases have completed feasibility and environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies and are part of a long-term transport development plan pushed forward by the Transport Ministry.
Mr Phiphat added that discussions are underway between the ministry and Exat regarding the possibility of waiving toll fees for the Kathu-Patong tunnel section to ease the financial burden on locals and tourists.
“We are considering this carefully, but the inclination is to make the tunnel toll-free,” he said.
“For Phase 2, which involves an elevated route, the standard toll rates would still apply as travellers can choose whether to use the expressway or regular roads.”
He said the government fully supports the move to give Phuket a modern and safe transportation system that can accommodate future economic and tourism growth.
“I want to assure the people of Phuket that this project will definitely proceed. There will be no suspension or delay. Everything will go according to plan to make travel more convenient, safe, and beneficial to the province’s long-term economy,” Mr Phiphat said.
Meanwhile, Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said Phuket’s tourism sector is showing a solid recovery.
Last month, the province welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, while the total number of tourists from January to October reached 97% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels, slightly higher than last year.
“European markets have rebounded strongly, especially from the UK, Germany and France,” he said.
“The Tourism Department says the first nine months of this year generated about 400 billion baht in revenue. The private sector expects that by year-end, total earnings could reach 500-550 billion baht.”
Mr Thanet highlighted several factors supporting Phuket’s growth in Q4 2025, including an increasing number of direct international flights.