The boardwalk, which serves as the main way for tourists to walk onto the island from the pier at Ton Sai Bay, remains broken and dangerous after a heavy storm in July last year.
According to the Ao Nang Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), a total of 1,794,208 tourists have visited Phi Phi Don Island since Oct 1 last year.
Ao Nang OrBorTor told The Phuket News that repairs were underway as part of a major coastal protection project.
However, officials at Ao Nang OrBorTor said the responsibility for repairing the broken boardwalk rests the Krabi Provincial Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT Krabi)
DPT Krabi is currently implementing the first phase of embankment repairs, said DPT Krabi Chief Chaiwat Opaspimontham.
“B6.41 million from the remaining 2024 fiscal budget has been used to repair a 44-metre stretch in front of Koh Phi Phi Hospital. For fiscal year 2025, an additional B9.8mn has been allocated, which will cover repairs to a further 70 metres of the structure,” he said.
“The full project is expected to be completed by 2027, though work may be accelerated if an additional budget is secured by 2026,” he added.
Officials at Ao Nang OrBorTor explained to The Phuket News that the project follows damage caused by strong winds and waves that struck Ao Nang Bay on July 28, 2024, destroying sections of the breakwater, walkway, and road in front of Koh Phi Phi Hospital.
Local residents and entrepreneurs have repeatedly called for urgent repairs, citing the impact on patient transfers, boat traffic and tourism, officials admitted.
In response, the DPT Krabi held three rounds of public hearings with local communities, fishermen, hotel operators, and longtail boat drivers.
Participants agreed on the construction of a reinforced gabion breakwater stretching 529 metres. The new design will strengthen foundations with piles and concrete beams, as well as add boat moorings, benches, and promenade improvements, reported the local branch of the state news agency, NBT Krabi.
Ao Nang OrBorTor Chief Pankam Kittithorakul clarified that no direct complaints have been filed with the organisation since the project began.
“Local residents are already aware of the project. We will coordinate with provincial agencies to improve the walkway landscaping once the repair work is completed, or during the project if feasible, while minimising impacts on the public,” he said.