Phuket is becoming a traffic hub: mega projects for the future!

Phuket is becoming a traffic hub: mega projects for the future!

There's big news in Phuket today that further advances the island's vision as a regional center for tourism and transport. Thailand's Transport Ministry plans to develop Phuket into the Andaman region's main transport hub. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced these ambitions during a high-level meeting attended by, among others, Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanet and representatives of key authorities. The aim of this step is to create a model for logistics and mobility development in the southern provinces, which will not only improve traffic but also give a boost to the region's economic recovery. Loud Bangkok Post Nine major infrastructure projects with a total value of 130 billion baht will be reviewed.

Important infrastructure projects

There are several important projects on the agenda that are intended to shorten travel times and reduce traffic congestion. Highlights include the Kathu-Patong Tunnel, which is designed to reduce the time between the airport and Patong to just 20 minutes. A new cruise terminal for large ships and the first phase of a light rail transit system are also planned to connect the airport and Chalong Intersection. The full list is impressive:

• Kathu–Patong Tunnel: 16,76 Milliarden Baht
• Muang Mai–Koh Kaew–Kathu Expressway: 46,75 Milliarden Baht
• Muang Mai–Airport Junction Flyover: 1,3 Milliarden Baht
• Erweiterung der Highway 4027
• Upgrade des Verkehrsmanagements
• Phase 1 des Light Rail Transit Systems: 46 Milliarden Baht
• Andaman Port Projekt
• Neuer Kreuzfahrtterminal
• Phase 2 des Phuket Airport Development Projects

Minister Phiphat described the initiatives as a “game changer” for Phuket over the next five years. The President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, is also calling for rapid implementation, as daily traffic problems highlight an urgent need for improvements.

Development into a regional economic center

In addition to transport planning, measures to maximize tourism and logistics capacity in the southern province are also planned. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has announced projects aimed at positioning Phuket as a regional economic hub and global tourist destination. In particular, the expansion of Phuket International Airport, which is expected to create additional capacity for 18 million passengers per year, has a budget of 6.21 billion baht. Further construction projects are also planned, such as an access road to the airport and the expansion of road number 4027, such as Nation of Thailand reported.

Strategic plans for the tourism sector

But that's not all: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Phuket into a premium destination. Raising the quality of tourism and improving tourist experiences were discussed at a meeting at Phuket International Airport. Loud Thai Times The development strategy will be implemented in six critical areas, including transport infrastructure, water management and tourist safety.

So the future of Phuket looks bright! With the tourism sector's robust recovery expected to attract nearly 13 million visitors in 2024, and the infrastructure already in place with 368 daily flights from 53 cities in 21 countries, Phuket could be well on its way to establishing itself as a real hotspot in regional and international tourism.