The meeting took place at Phuket Rajabhat University on Wednesday (Mar 26). Chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, the event featured a report from Sanakorn Thapthimthongsuk, Deputy Director (Operations) of the Phuket Highways Office
Organised by the Department of Highways under the Ministry of Transport, the meeting aimed to disseminate project details to stakeholders while gathering public and agency feedback. The initiative seeks to develop a new highway network to mitigate Phuket’s severe traffic congestion, accommodate urban growth, and enhance the province’s role as a key economic and tourism hub, explained an official report of the meeting.
Currently, Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd) serves as the main route to Phuket Town. There are plans to develop Route 4027 (Tha Ruea – Mueang Mai, via Pa Khlok) as an additional alternative. However, persistent heavy traffic at the Tha Ruea Intersection (Heroines Monument) remains a significant bottleneck, impacting both residents and tourists, the report said.
To address this issue, the Department of Highways has undertaken a feasibility study on potential new routes, enlisting consultants to analyse and select an optimal option while conducting an initial environmental impact assessment (IEE) and ensuring continuous public engagement, the report continued.
During the meeting, Vice Governor Adul emphasised the importance of public participation in shaping the project.
“Today’s meeting is a valuable opportunity for all sectors to exchange ideas on the new highway network development project, which will help alleviate traffic problems and support Phuket’s future growth. I encourage everyone to share constructive opinions so that the project can be designed in the most beneficial way for the people,” he said.
At the conclusion of the session, representatives from government agencies, private enterprises, local administrative bodies and community groups provided suggestions to align the project with public needs and regional conditions.
The Department of Highways assured attendees that the development plan would prioritise public benefit, economic value, and environmental sustainability to support the long-term expansion of Phuket’s transportation network and tourism sector.
However, neither the report by local Public Relations Department officials or even the Phuket Highways Office disclosed exactly what changes to any of the previously repeatedly announced plans might be.