Phipat Orders Rural Road Department to Accelerate Investment in Roads and Bridges to Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Grassroots Economy
Thailand's deputy PM has directed the Department of Rural Roads to accelerate a nationwide infrastructure program aimed at reducing transportation costs and boosting rural economies, with major projects including the Ko Lanta bridge in Krab
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakij rolled out the 'Rural Roads for People' policy on May 11, 2025, directing the Department of Rural Roads to accelerate a mega-project focused on reducing costs and connecting community economies nationwide. The initiative, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes addressing cost-of-living issues, reducing inequality, and building economic resilience. Phipat instructed the Department of Rural Roads—as the agency with the most extensive network reaching communities—to modernize the nation's transportation system while ensuring safety and environmental friendliness. The ultimate goal is to reduce travel expenses, lower transportation burdens, and create economic opportunities for citizens. The department plans to maximize budget efficiency, implement advanced safety measures, address PM 2.5 pollution, convert streetlights to LED systems, and install solar farms along routes. Major projects include the Songkhla Lake Bridge connecting Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces, and the Ko Lanta bridge in Krabi, both with secured funding from the World Bank. The department is also advancing the Thailand Riviera coastal road project from Samut Songkhram to Narathiwat, the Mekong Riverside Road (Nakhavithi) to boost local tourism revenue, and over 333 community road projects totaling 813 kilometers with 46 concrete bridges nationwide. Additionally, the department emphasized emergency response capabilities, deploying machinery and aid to flood-affected areas in Hatyai, and implementing smart traffic management technology for real-time safety monitoring.
