Nai Harn Lake redevelopment to restart with restricted access during works
Redevelopment of Nai Harn Lake is set to resume, with access restrictions during road, drainage and footpath works as local authorities target completion by March 2027.
Access around Nai Harn Lake will be restricted as redevelopment work restarts, with road resurfacing, drainage upgrades and new footpaths planned around the popular site.
In a video released on July 14, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob and Rawai Mayor Thames Kraitat outlined the joint project, which they said is intended to turn Nai Harn Lake into a premier recreation and tourism destination.
Rewat said the PPAO is building a jogging track and cycling lane around the lake to improve facilities for exercise and outdoor activities.
Thames said Rawai Municipality is separately investing B70 million to rebuild roads, install new drainage canals and add an HDPE drainage pipe system aimed at reducing flooding. The work will also include new footpaths, landscaping, upgraded lighting, seating and designated parking for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
One section along the lake will not be rebuilt because it falls under the jurisdiction of the Highways Department, Thames said.
He added that the municipality had coordinated its construction schedule with the PPAO so the two projects could be finished at roughly the same time, limiting disruption to a single extended construction period.
Both projects are scheduled for completion by March 30, 2027.
Rewat said traffic delays and inconvenience during construction were unavoidable, but that the finished redevelopment would create a safer public space, support healthier lifestyles and help tourism.
The restart follows a previous redevelopment effort that stalled more than a year ago after the original contractor abandoned the project, drawing public criticism and political scrutiny. The earlier B66.6 million contract was terminated in April last year after work stopped shortly after construction began. The PPAO later re-tendered the project with a higher budget and said it would appoint a contractor able to complete the delayed works.
