The three leading local figures surveyed the proposed 3.1-kilometre route, which is expected to greatly improve local travel and tourism access between Chalong and Patong.
The group visited the planned route for the road ‒ now for some reason being called in official reports the ‘Wang Kata Road’ (Kata Area Road) ‒ to review design progress and discuss construction challenges with engineers and community representatives.
Also joining the field visit were Supachat Kitdamnoen, Vice President of the PPAO Council; Wasana Samhuai, Director of the PPAO Engineering Office; Rewadee Madsakul, Director of the PPAO Construction Engineering Division; and officials from both Chalong and Patong municipalities.
Mr Rewat said the 3.1km road, once completed, will significantly shorten travel time between Chao Fa Wes Rd and Patong, while also providing a new scenic route expected to become a popular tourist attraction and convenient transport corridor for local residents.
“This will be a route that not only eases traffic but also offers a new check-in point for visitors,” he said, adding that the design phase will be completed by the end of this year. He thanked the Royal Forest Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and both municipalities for their cooperation and support. The Royal Forest Department had to give permission for the road to be built on protected forest land.
According to the PPAO, the route spans approximately 2.3km within Chalong Subdistrict and 800 metres in Patong Subdistrict. The project will be fully funded by the PPAO, with the feasibility study and structural design scheduled for completion by year-end. The proposal will then be submitted to the PPAO Council for approval, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026.
“The aim is to alleviate current congestion on Patong Hill and facilitate future travel as Phuket continues to grow,” said Mr Samran, Chalong Mayor. “We are coordinating closely with all agencies to expedite this project for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.”
The new initiative follows several inspections of the long-delayed Chalong-Patong road project earlier this year. In March, Phuket Governor at the time Sophon Suwanarat visited the same route and ordered renewed progress after earlier construction efforts stalled due to terrain challenges and budget constraints.
The upcoming road will traverse hilly terrain similar to the original route opened as a dirt track in early 2023, built after the 2022 Patong Hill landslide temporarily severed the main artery between Kathu and Chalong.
Once completed, the new Chalong-Patong road is expected to become a vital alternative link between the island’s west and east coasts, enhancing both daily commuting and Phuket’s tourism infrastructure.