MP Somchart presses over stalled Phuket infrastructure projects
Somchart Techathaworncharoen, who represents Phuket Constituency 1, announced that he had submitted a general question to the Transport Minister, urging urgent action to address widespread delays affecting both…
MP Somchart Techathaworncharoen pressed the Transport Ministry on April 19 over persistent delays in major Phuket infrastructure projects, citing urgent impacts on residents and the tourism sector. In a formal question to the minister, the Phuket Constituency 1 representative listed stalled initiatives including the Patong Tunnel, light rail, and several road and airport expansions, calling for definitive timelines and transparent budgeting.
Safety and Transport Projects Facing Delays
Somchart highlighted the Patong Tunnel project, linking Kathu and Patong, referencing 2,594 accidents and 25 deaths on Patong Hill between 2023 and 2025. He attributed continued safety risks to repeated design changes and indefinite delays.
He also criticised the lack of progress on the Phuket Light Rail system, first studied in 1987, and the Surat Thani–Phang Nga–Phuket railway, which remains unintegrated with any future mass transit. The New City–Koh Kaew–Kathu expressway, intended to relieve congestion on Thepkrasattri Rd, has not advanced since studies began in 2013.
Unused Budgets and Unclear Timelines
Somchart pointed to B70 million allocated for cruise terminal feasibility studies, noting no visible progress despite rising demand from cruise operators. He described airport expansion plans as unclear, despite Phuket International Airport’s runway operating at capacity and proposals for a new airport in Phang Nga.
The MP raised further concerns about the cancelled U-turn bridge on Thepkrasattri Rd, delays to the Ban Pa Khlok–Ban Bang Khu road network following completed public hearings, and ongoing land acquisition issues for Route 4027 expansion. He added that although funding exists for a new road linking Route 4027 to the airport intersection, construction has not started. The Ministry of Transport has not yet responded.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/mp-somchart-presses-over-stalled-phuket-infrastructure-projects-99931.php
