Chalermpong Urges Govt to Speed Up Patong Expressway
MP Chalermpong Saengdee urges the Thai government to accelerate the Kathu-Patong expressway project in Phuket, citing a 30-year wait.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- MP Chalermpong Saengdee urges the government to fast-track the Kathu-Patong expressway.
- Phuket residents have waited over 30 years for this vital infrastructure project.
- Delays stem from repeated revisions of tunnel designs and bidding procedures.
- The project is critical for local transportation, tourism, and Phuket's economy.
Traffic congestion across the mountain route connecting Kathu and Patong beach in Phuket continues to pose a major obstacle for both local residents and international visitors, weighing heavily on the province's tourism and economic sectors for over three decades.
Chalermpong Saengdee, a Member of Parliament for Phuket Constituency 2 representing the People's Party, revealed that he has continuously monitored the project and raised questions in the House of Representatives on multiple occasions. His goal is to pressure the government into expediting the project, recognizing it as an urgent infrastructure necessity for Phuket.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Throughout the years, the project has faced numerous setbacks and delays. Authorities have repeatedly reviewed and adjusted various details, including the project format, construction blueprints, the structure of the Nak Koet mountain tunnel, and the contractor procurement and bidding processes, with each revision adding to the waiting time.
"The longer it takes, the more it impacts citizens, tourism, and the provincial economy."
Chalermpong Saengdee
The Kathu-Patong special expressway is a regionally significant project designed to alleviate severe mountain traffic bottlenecks connecting world-renowned Patong beach to Phuket's central business district. Project delays not only increase travel costs but also diminish the province's tourism competitiveness and logistics efficiency.
Regarding technical specifications studied previously, the Nak Koet mountain tunnel was designed with a width of approximately 17.10 meters to accommodate heavy traffic loads. Government agencies must now finalize the plans to push the project forward in response to local demands.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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