MP Chalermpong presented his case to the Speaker of the House of Representatives today (Oct 26).
Mr Chalermpong explained that Patong as a tourist destination is a main source of income, and safe access to the town is vital.
“Each year there are a large number of both Thai and foreign tourists coming to visit. But aside from tourists, there are many residents in the area, most of whom live in Kathu subdistrict, who each day travel back and forth between Kathu and Patong to work to earn money to support the family.
“Traveling to Patong City is mostly done by car and motorbikes. There are only three routes. The Kamala-Patong Road (Route 4030) and the Karon-Patong Road (also Route 4030) are considered the long way (round) if traveling from Phuket Town.
“Wichit Songkhram Rd (Route 4029) is the shortest distance, making it popular for traveling by citizens and tourists. But it is a route that must pass through steep mountains. There are dangerous curves on the slopes, especially during the rainy season. Accidents often occur, causing traffic and property damage. Road users are injured, and many times there are deaths of both Thais and foreigners,” Mr Chalermpong explained.
“Not long ago there was an accident involving a pickup and a truck. Tourists have accidents, falling off the mountain, and there are many other similar accidents,” he added.
Mr Chalermpong pointed out that the idea for building a tunnel between Kathu and Patong was raised more than 20 years ago.
“In fact, there has been a study of the construction of the Kathu-Patong tunnel a long time ago, since the time of the late former Mayor of Patong, Mr Pian Keesin, in 2000.
“If built at that time, the budget would be B2.4 billion, but the project was delayed, and until now there hasn’t been any progress yet,” he said.
“Out of necessity and the needs of the people in the area plus the fact that Patong is a world-known tourist city, traveling to and from there is therefore considered an urgent and important matter that today Patong people and the public in general can’t wait for any longer,” he said.
“Today, I would like to ask the President and pass on to the Deputy Minister of Transport that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, carry out the Kathu-Patong tunnel construction project joining Wichit Songkhram Rd and Phra Metta Rd (in Patong),” he added.
Mr Chalrmpong explained the plans currently set out to build the 1.85km tunnel and to develop the supporting main raids to provide access to and from the tunnel.
“When will this project be done? And what will the government do to solve the problem [of traffic accidents] while waiting for the construction of the Kathu-Patong tunnel? How will they protect people’s lives from accidents that frequently occur on this route? Ministry of Transport, how will you fix this problem?” Mr Chalermpong posed.
Mr Chalermpong thanked the Speaker and the Deputy Minister for Transport.
“I also have related questions. I would like to ask the President and pass on to the Deputy Minister of Transport that Luang Pu Supha Road in Chalong Subdistrict is another route that connects Patong with Phuket Town. This project has been under construction since 2022,” he said.
“But the current road condition is heavily damaged. It is hardly usable. The road used the budget of the local government organisation [PPAO] for construction. But if it is improved to be usable, It will become one of the options for people traveling to Patong. Is this possible?” he asked.
“If the government through the Ministry of Transport Will be able to carry out the project Improve said road To our brothers and sisters in Patong And brothers and sisters in Phuket? And how?
The project ground to a halt in April after 13 companies failed to enter a bid, ahead of Phuket losing its bid to host a World Specialised Expo in 2027-8.
The same day that Phuket lost its World Expo bid (June 21), the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced that the relevant law had been passed for the government to expropriate the land needed to build the Patong Tunnel. Acquiring the land was expected to take about 24 months, EXAT explained.
However, since then all government agencies involved in the project have fallen silent about any progress on the project.
Former Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew in early July warned that Phuket losing its Expo bid could result in a delay in the much promised transport mega-projects slated for Phuket.
The Patong Tunnel project has been raised with new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during both his first visit and second visit to Phuket.
Ahead of PM Srettha’s second visit to Phuket, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed that the government is intent on spending B148 billion on developing Phuket’s tourism and transport infrastructure.