Somchart Techathaworncharoen, who represents Phuket Constituency 1, announced that he had submitted a general question to the Transport Minister, urging urgent action to address widespread delays affecting both residents and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
In a public statement, Somchart said multiple major projects remained “stalled” or “not progressing”, despite years – and in some cases decades – of planning and study.
Among the most pressing concerns highlighted was the long-discussed Patong Tunnel project linking Kathu and Patong. Somchart cited accident data from Patong Hill between 2023 and 2025, which recorded 2,594 incidents and 25 fatalities, underscoring the continued safety risks posed by the lack of an alternative route. The tunnel project, he said, has faced repeated design changes and indefinite delays.
The proposed Phuket Light Rail system, first studied in 1987, was also criticised for its lack of tangible progress, with repeated revisions to its design but no construction timeline in sight.
MP Somchart further pointed to the planned Surat Thani–Phang Nga–Phuket railway line, which he said remains stalled and lacks integration with any future mass transit system on the island.
Other projects raised include the long-proposed cruise terminal, for which B70 million was previously allocated for feasibility studies but has since seen no visible progress, despite increasing demand from cruise operators.
Traffic congestion, a persistent issue across Phuket, also featured heavily in the MP’s concerns. He cited the New City–Koh Kaew–Kathu expressway project, intended to ease pressure on Thepkrasattri Rd, as having shown no advancement since initial studies began in 2013.
Plans to expand Phuket International Airport’s capacity, including proposals for a new airport in neighbouring Phang Nga, were also described as unclear, despite the existing runway operating at full capacity.
Additional concerns included the cancellation of a planned U-turn bridge on Thepkrasattri Rd, delays to the Ban Pa Khlok–Ban Bang Khu road network despite completed public hearings, and ongoing land acquisition issues hindering the expansion of Route 4027.
MP Somchart also noted that although funding has been allocated for a new road linking Route 4027 to the airport intersection, construction has yet to begin.
In his formal request to the Ministry of Transport, Somchart called for clear and actionable policies to move projects forward, as well as definitive timelines for completion and greater transparency regarding budgets and project plans.
“Phuket generates enormous revenue for the country, but its infrastructure has lagged behind for decades,” he said. “It is time for the government to stop studying and start building, for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”
The Ministry of Transport has yet to publicly respond to the MP’s query.