Phuket Plans Expressways, New Airport, Cruise Terminal for Tourism

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Ministry of Transport invited Phuket private sector representatives — the Phuket Tourist Association, Phuket Chamber of Commerce, and Phuket Provincial Federation of Thai Industries — to discuss transportation infrastructure development. Permanent Secretary Piyaphong Chiwathankulphaisan and Transport Policy and Planning Office Director Jiraroj Sukharat attended the talks.

Phuket is a globally important tourist city generating massive revenue for Thailand, but rapid growth has created challenges — especially chronic traffic congestion, road safety issues, and limited public transport — directly affecting residents' daily lives and tourists' experiences.

The meeting focused on traffic and road safety at critical points on main routes: Phuket Airport intersection, Heroines Monument intersection, Lotus Samkong intersection, Koh Kaew intersection, Chalong Five-Way intersection, and the Kathu-Patong corridor — all high-density traffic areas impacting travel.

Phiphat ordered relevant agencies to study traffic data and local proposals for systematic solutions: road improvements, traffic signal management, intersection upgrades, and enhanced safety measures — prioritizing urgent short-term actions alongside long-term infrastructure planning.

Simultaneously, the Ministry will use private sector input to drive a four-dimensional transport network:

Roads: Push the Kathu-Patong Expressway and New City-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects, develop airport access routes, upgrade key highways, and study a new Sarasin Bridge to add travel options and reduce congestion.

Rail: Advance the Surat Thani-Phang Nga-Tha Nun dual-track railway project and study airport rail links, alongside the Phuket Mass Transit System from Phuket Airport to Chalong Circle to create efficient public transport and reduce private car dependence.

Water: Develop a large cruise terminal and the Andaman Ring Port network linking Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, while upgrading maritime safety to boost tourism and create economic opportunities along the Andaman coast.

Air: Accelerate Phuket Airport Phase 2 expansion and study the Andaman Airport project to handle passenger growth and enhance international connectivity.

Phiphat directed ministry agencies to prioritize discussed issues and projects that can be fast-tracked, coordinating continuously with local agencies and the private sector to ensure Phuket's transport network development delivers tangible results — elevating Phuket as a world-class tourist destination with modern, safe, and economically connected transportation.