Gov Chamroen delivered the call to get moving on the proposed projects at a meeting the Phuket Land Office on Thursday (Dec 24).
“Both projects would bolster infrastructure and support tourism as Thailand enters the Asean Economic Community (AEC),” he said.
As announced late last year, the terms of the AEC are planned to come into effect “by the end of 2015”.
Present at the meeting on Thursday were Phuket Vice Governors Dr Prajiad Aksornthammakul and Chokdee Armornwat, Provincial Police Chief Col Teerapol Thipjaroen, Phuket Land Chief Watcharin Jettanawanitch, among many others.
“Phuket must speed up the feasibility study of the proposed route of the Hat Yai-Phuket railway project because the project will tremendously benefit tourism in the Andaman region,” Gov Chamroen said.
“The proposed rail link will connect Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket, which will promote tourism and prepare the region for the AEC,” he added.
“The State Railway of Thailand officially opened the Hat Yai-Padang Besar rail shuttle on December 12, which which will benefit both countries. If there is a railway connecting the Andaman provinces, that would greatly benefit tourists and locals who could better travel around the area,” Gov Chamroen said.
“The proposed Andaman railway coincides with the central government’s push to promote tourism throughout the region.”
Looking at transport links closer to home, Gov Chamroen also called on officials to move ahead with plans for the new road under the planned high-voltage power lines to be installed from Phuket International Airport to the Bang Khu Intersection, north of Phuket Town.
“To solve traffic congestion problem on the island, I ordered the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) and the Phuket Highways Office to re-examine the construction plans.
“If we can go ahead with the project, it will help alleviate the traffic issues on Thepkrasattri Rd,” he said.
Gov Chamroen also raised the issue of road safety during the New Year holiday period.
“Police checkpoints have been set up at various locations across the island, especially on a busy roads and in areas known for accidents,” he said.
“This will help ease traffic congestion and reduce the number of road accidents during the holidays. In each district, we are pushing a campaign to encourage people to wear helmets at all times while riding motorcycles,” he added.