The ambitious proposal, led by the Department of Highways, was unveiled during the first public seminar on the redevelopment of Highway No. 402 and what local officials collectively call the ‘the Sarasin Bridge’, raising both hopes and concerns among locals, officials, and transport stakeholders.
The ‘Sarasin Bridge’ area comprises the three bridges connecting Phuket with the mainland: the original Sarasin Bridge, which today can be traversed only on foot, the Thepkrasattri Bridge, which brings vehicles onto Phuket’ and the Srisoonthorn Bridge, which carries vehicles heading off-island.
Now officials are looking to build a fourth bridge, and make history by doing so.
The seminar, held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket Town earlier this month, gathered around 100 participants including local government officials, community leaders, private sector representatives, members of the House of Representatives and local residents. Chaired by Mueang Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, the meeting aimed to present the project concept and gather public feedback in its early stages.
At the heart of the proposal is a new suspension bridge, approximately 1,000 metres long, which would span the Chong Pak Phra channel, the body of water that separates Phuket from the mainland, and become a new gateway to Phuket. Designed without pillars in the water, the current plans for the bridge aim to minimise environmental disruption, particularly to the marine ecosystem, while offering a unique visual landmark and boosting the island’s tourism appeal.
CONNECTIVITY
According to Sukit Yindeesuk, project manager and civil engineer from the Department of Highways’ Survey and Design Office, the plan to build a suspension bridge is part of a broader transport development strategy by the Ministry of Transport. The strategy aims to integrate Thailand’s intercity expressway network with the national rail system under the MR-Map policy, improving long-term mobility while reducing community displacement and land expropriation.
“This bridge won’t just be another road ‒ it will be a symbol of modern engineering and sustainable infrastructure,” Mr Sukit said. “It will also be a crucial link in solving traffic issues and enhancing logistics across the region.”
The suspension bridge is set to replace or supplement the existing Sarasin Bridge, which has long served as the sole road link between Phuket and the mainland. The project route begins at kilometre marker 40+500 in Baan Tha Noon in Tambon Khok Kloi, Takua Thung District, in Phang Nga, crosses the channel and ends at kilometre marker 49+000 in Mai Khao, Thalang. The 8.5-kilometre corridor is part of the wider MR9 Intercity Motorway route between Surat Thani and Phuket, Mr Sukrit explained.
TOURISM, LOGISTICS BOOST
Somkit Kittisopit, Chief of the Phuket Highways Office, explained that the new route and bridge would be designed to improve the efficiency of Highway No. 402, a critical arterial road for southern Thailand ‒ which in Phuket becomes known as Thepkrasattri Rd.
He noted that the suspension bridge would offer both functional and economic value, linking not only Phang Nga and Phuket but also supporting special road projects such as the Muang Mai – Kathu Motorway and the Patong Tunnel project.
“Beyond transport benefits, this project will elevate Phuket’s infrastructure to a new level, helping facilitate faster and safer travel for both locals and tourists,” Mr Somkit said.
Official data shows the current bridges handle roughly 14,600 vehicles inbound and 14,100 outbound on an average day. While these figures reflect consistent use, supporters of the new bridge argue that existing infrastructure will struggle to cope with projected future demand as Phuket continues to grow as a global tourism hub and domestic economic centre.
FEEDBACk
Despite the project’s promise, environmental and social concerns have been raised. Parts of the proposed alignment run through mangrove forests and national forest reserves, and the bridge itself would span protected marine areas. Due to this, the development must undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including a series of public consultations to gather community input and mitigate potential conflicts.
“The public participation process is critical,” said Mr Sukit. “We are not just building infrastructure ‒ we are building trust. We want to hear from the people who will be most affected.”
The Department of Highways has appointed a consortium of engineering firms ‒ Norseep Engineering Co Ltd, TEC Consultant Co Ltd, Future Engineering Consultant Co Ltd and Tharaline Co Ltd ‒ to carry out the feasibility study, including detailed designs, environmental assessments, and technical documentation. The study is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
NOT EVERYONE ON BOARD
While the concept of a landmark bridge is drawing attention, not all local leaders are convinced of its necessity.
Kongsak Koophongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, voiced scepticism about the urgency of the bridge. “If we’re talking about long-term flexibility, sure, a second entrance to Phuket makes sense. But right now, it’s not urgent,” he said. “There are more pressing needs in the province.”
He pointed out that the existing bridges still function efficiently and that current traffic congestion stems more from checkpoint bottlenecks than road capacity.
“Once you’re past the checkpoint, the road is clear. The issue is not the bridge ‒ it’s the lanes and the lack of advanced screening technologies,” he said.
Mr Kongsak also questioned the scale and cost of the project. “Spending B10 billion or more on a bridge when we could be upgrading checkpoints with AI systems, expanding lanes and fixing existing roads at a fraction of the cost doesn’t seem practical.”
He acknowledged the potential for the bridge to facilitate tourism, especially if larger ships are able to pass underneath. However, he cautioned that the shallow channel between Phang Nga and Phuket, known for rocky seabeds and strong tidal currents, may pose significant engineering challenges.
“I’ve seen the rocks just below the surface when the tide recedes. Building a suspension bridge over that will require serious study,” he said.
NATIONAL PRIDE
Despite opposition, the project is firmly embedded in Thailand’s long-term infrastructure strategy. The intercity expressway network, first conceived in 1997 and last updated in 2016, includes 21 major routes nationwide. The MR9 route ‒ linking Surat Thani, Phang Nga and Phuket ‒ is one of its key arteries.
The latest revision of the master plan, prompted by evolving environmental, economic and social conditions, seeks to make expressway development more relevant to current needs. The integration of motorway and rail systems is expected to lower costs, reduce land conflicts, and improve efficiency.
Project objectives include:
- Enhancing Highway No. 402’s capacity and compatibility with surrounding infrastructure;
- Completing detailed engineering and environmental studies;
- Ensuring community awareness and engagement;
- Delivering transport upgrades that match Phuket’s growing demand.
Expected benefits range from easing traffic congestion and accelerating goods transportation to supporting tourism and inter-provincial connectivity.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the study progresses over the next 18 months, local authorities, civil society groups and residents will continue to monitor developments. While many agree that modern infrastructure is essential for Phuket’s continued development, there remains a strong call for transparency, cost-effectiveness, and prioritisation of local needs.
For now, the suspension bridge remains a concept on the drawing board ‒ a symbol of what could be a transformative leap in southern Thailand’s infrastructure, or a reminder of the importance of thoughtful, community-focused planning. Whether the project proceeds as envisioned, evolves into something smaller, or stalls under public scrutiny, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping its path forward.