The government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance transportation infrastructure in Phuket, which includes the introduction of a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town.
This initiative is a response to the significant economic growth experienced by the resort island, with more than 300 billion baht circulated last year.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has acknowledged Phuket’s potential and emphasized the government’s focus on positioning Thailand as a leading tourism, transportation, and aviation hub in the region, along with enhancing transportation infrastructure along the Andaman coast.
The Prime Minister has directed the Transport Ministry to develop immediate, medium-term, and long-term plans to upgrade Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to establish the city as a premier tourist destination and a key gateway in the southern region.
The transportation development plan covers land, sea, air, and rail transportation systems.
The immediate action plan involves the Department of Highways addressing traffic congestion on Highway 402 by implementing smart traffic signals, establishing no-parking zones, and closing U-turn points on busy routes.
As part of the medium-term plan, efforts will be made to alleviate traffic bottlenecks on Highway 402 and expand Highway 4027 to four lanes by 2026.
Looking ahead to the long term, the Expressway Authority of Thailand plans to construct an expressway connecting Patong Beach to Phuket Airport and the intercity expressway system, set to be operational by 2030.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand will conduct a feasibility study on a 41.7-kilometer light rail system linking Phuket International Airport and Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028 and completion by 2031.
A feasibility study is also underway for the development of Phuket’s deep-sea port, aiming to accommodate the growth in large cruise tourism in the Andaman Sea. This expansion is expected to open up new revenue streams by attracting longer-staying tourists.
Additionally, Airports of Thailand (AoT) will enhance Phuket Airport’s capacity to handle up to 18 million passengers annually by 2031. Plans also include the introduction of seaplane services to facilitate travel between nearby islands.
