The update came during a meeting held at 9:30am yesterday (Oct 9) at the Phuket Highways Office, presided over by Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra. The meeting reviewed the latest design and implementation details of the expressway’s second phase.
Attending were representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), including Phase 2 Project Manager Therdsak Puangjinda and the project’s consulting team, along with Phuket provincial officials and local leaders.
Among them were Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer) Thiraphong Chuaychu, Phuket Highways Director Somkit Kittisopit, Phuket Land Transport Office Chief Adcha Buachan, the Minister of Transport’s working group led by Wiwat Jindapol and Ploythala Laksamisangchan, and Patong Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin.
Governor Saransak said the project is one of the government’s urgent transport policies under Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, aimed at easing chronic congestion and strengthening Phuket’s transport network to support urban growth and tourism.
“The expressway is essential for improving convenience, speed and safety, and for enhancing the province’s long-term development potential,” Gov Saransak said.
He added that a provincial working group will be established to coordinate with EXAT to ensure the smooth execution of the project, with public hearings to be held in affected areas such as Kathu and Patong to build awareness and understanding among residents.
EXAT has divided the Phuket Expressway Project into two main phases.
* Phase 1, the Kathu-Patong section (Patong Tunnel), covers 3.98km, including a four-lane at-grade road and a tunnel with a dedicated motorcycle lane and a central safety control centre. The Cabinet approved the phase in August, land acquisition is more than 75% complete, and construction contractors are now being procured. The route is expected to open in April 2030.
* Phase 2, the **Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu section, spans 30.62km with a four-lane at-grade road and tunnel works. The environmental impact assessment has been completed, and the plan is being finalised for Cabinet consideration, with the goal of also opening in April 2030.
A representative from the Minister of Transport’s working group noted that the government is prioritising solutions to Phuket’s traffic problems, given its role as a global tourism hub. “The Minister will personally visit Phuket to follow up on progress and ensure the project proceeds as quickly as possible,” the representative said.
Patong Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin said Patong Municipality is developing a management plan to make the best use of land beneath and around the expressway. “We plan to use partially expropriated areas for public parking and transport services to help improve traffic flow and accommodate future tourists,” he said.
The long-awaited Phuket Expressway Project, combining both phases, is seen as a major milestone in modernising the island’s infrastructure.
Once complete, it is expected to significantly reduce travel times, relieve congestion on main roads, and strengthen Phuket’s connectivity, supporting sustainable economic and tourism growth in the years ahead, said an official report of the meeting.