A public hearing was held at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit in Bangkok on Mar 7 to gather opinions and insights from private investors regarding the project’s feasibility and investment potential.
The consultation process allows private investors to voice their perspectives, with EXAT aiming to leverage these insights for an efficient and sustainable development of Phuket’s expressway infrastructure, explained a report of the event by EXAT.
EXAT Governor Surachet Laopoolsuk chaired the session, emphasising the agency’s commitment to modernising Phuket’s road network through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework under the Public-Private Partnership Act B.E. 2562 (2019).
The project is divided into two phases: the Kathu-Patong Section (3.98km) and the Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Section (30.62km), covering a total of 34.60km.
According to EXAT, the government will oversee land acquisition, while the authority will handle design, construction and infrastructure maintenance, including toll collection and traffic control systems.
Private sector investment is sought for various components, with the Phase 1 project estimated at B16.76 billion and Phase 2 at B45.93bn.
System work construction for both phases is projected at B2.23bn, with operation and maintenance costs over a 30-year period estimated at B24.8bn.
Toll rates for Phase 1 will follow a flat-fee structure, starting in 2030 at B15 for motorcycles, B40 for four-wheel vehicles, B85 for six- to-10-wheel vehicles, and B125 for larger trucks.
Phase 2 will implement a distance-based toll system, with base fees of B40, B80 and B120 for different vehicle categories, plus per-kilometre charges.
Traffic volume forecasts estimate approximately 69,386 vehicles per day by 2030.
The project has a financial internal rate of return (FIRR) of 1.82%, while its economic internal rate of return (EIRR) stands at 18.85%, indicating strong economic viability.
According to a Matichon report of the event, Mr Surachet still remained confident that construction of the expressway will begin this year.