The initiative, led by the Phuket Highways District, forms part of a two-phase project to modernise the island’s traffic management system. Phase One will see the installation of AI-powered traffic lights capable of analysing and adjusting signal timings automatically to improve flow and reduce jams, said an official report of the meeting.
Phase Two will include the introduction of new traffic warning and information signage, alongside the establishment of a central traffic control centre to coordinate management across all key roads.
The Highways Department has been tasked with compiling up-to-date traffic data ahead of the Provincial Traffic Management Subcommittee meeting on Nov 3, when specific action plans are expected to be tabled.
The updates were presented at a high-level meeting chaired by Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, bringing together senior officials and representatives from land, sea and air transport agencies.
Among those attending were Vice Governor Samawit Suphanpai, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Adcha Buachan and officials from the Highways Department, Marine Department and Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO).
Governor Saransak said the province is committed to building a modern, efficient and sustainable transportation network to support Phuket’s expanding economy and fast-rising visitor numbers.
“Solving Phuket’s traffic issues requires cooperation from all sectors – government, private, and public. Together we can make Phuket a truly smart city and a world-class tourism hub,” he said.
The renewed focus on traffic comes as Phuket prepares to officially open the tourist high season on Oct 26, when as many as 56,000 inbound passengers and 380 flights are expected daily, said the official report.
ROADS
The meeting also reviewed several major infrastructure projects designed to relieve pressure on Phuket’s main routes.
The new 1.95km road from Baan Muang Mai to the Phuket Airport intersection has already been proposed to the Ministry of Transport for funding, with completion targeted for 2028.
Meanwhile, the 4.55km widening of Route 4027 from Baan Para in Pa Khlok to Muang Mai is under construction and on track for completion in 2026.
Progress also continues on the long-awaited Phuket Expressway Project, comprising two phases: Phase 1 (Kathu-Patong section)**, commonly known as the Patong Tunnel, is currently in the land acquisition phase; Phase 2 (Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu) is undergoing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.
On the maritime side, officials outlined plans to strengthen Phuket’s position as a logistics and tourism hub on the Andaman coast.
Budget allocations have already been approved for Andaman Ring Road Port, Manoh Pier and Chong Lad Pier under the 2024 budget, while funding requests for Ao Po Ferry Port in Phuket and Tha Len Ferry Port in Krabi are being prepared for the 2025 budget.
In addition, plans are being developed to upgrade port facilities to accommodate large cruise ships, supporting Phuket’s goal of attracting high-spending visitors and expanding the island’s maritime tourism capacity.
Phuket International Airport reported that construction of a two-lane elevated road connecting the terminal to Route 4031, along with a new four-lane ground road, is progressing well, said the meeting report.
The airport is also expanding to increase capacity to 18 million passengers per year, including new terminal areas, upgraded facilities, and enhanced passenger management systems. Improvements include service data analysis, passenger satisfaction monitoring, and upgrades under the Skytrax international standard.
Further developments include the introduction of a seaplane ferry service to connect Phuket with nearby islands, and the launch of the new Paris-Phuket direct flight route on Nov 28, operating six times a week, the official report said.
Governor Saransak stressed that coordinated investment and swift action were key to sustaining Phuket’s rapid growth.
“We must act with urgency and unity to make transport in Phuket safer, smarter, and more efficient,” he said.