Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered state agencies to accelerate measures to curb coastal erosion in Thepha district, warning the problem could pose a risk to Highway 43, a key route to Thailand’s southern border provinces.
Mr Phiphat inspected erosion near the Highway 43 roadside rest area on Sunday, where parts of the coastline have retreated by more than 100 metres over about 20 years, or an average of five metres a year.
About 500m of shoreline requires monitoring and protective measures, with erosion worsening during the rainy season because of strong winds and high waves.
Mr Phiphat said Highway 43 links Songkhla with Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, and warned that advancing erosion could eventually affect traffic lanes and public travel.
Efforts have been complicated by land ownership and jurisdictional issues, with some affected areas under the Marine Department and others privately owned.
Authorities are coordinating on suitable coastal protection measures, including around the pier, while rocks have been placed at some locations as temporary barriers against strong waves.
Mr Phiphat instructed the Department of Highways, Songkhla authorities and the Marine Department to finalise construction designs, responsibilities and budget arrangements, stressing that measures should address the coastline as a whole without shifting erosion to neighbouring areas.
He later visited Thepha Hospital, where he heard concerns from healthcare personnel about flooding and access problems.
The 72-bed hospital serves residents of Thepha and Saba Yoi districts as well as patients from the southern border provinces.
Officials said flooding in 2024-2025 affected several healthcare facilities in Songkhla, with damage assessments submitted to the Public Health Ministry for budget consideration. The hospital has proposed about 35 million baht to improve buildings and service areas for patients and physical therapy.