Transport minister orders changes to 4km Kathu-Patong project, targets 2030 opening

PUBLISHED : 1 Nov 2025 at 20:40

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn speaks to reporters during his recent visit to Phuket. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)

PHUKET - Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a major revision of the Kathu-Patong expressway project, converting it from a tollway to a toll-free public highway, to reduce expenses for people living on the tourist island.

The project, managed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), will be transferred to the Department of Highways and will continue at an accelerated pace, though with several key design changes.

The most notable change is the reduction of the width of the tunnel along the highway, from 17 metres to 10 metres, on the advice from engineers who suggested larger tunnels pose higher structural risks and costs.

The 1.85-kilometre tunnel will no longer include separate motorcycle lanes. Instead, motorcycles and cars will share the same lanes, supported by enhanced safety measures.

Mr Phiphat, who is also a deputy prime minister, said the updated proposal, based on the original Exat study but adjusted for tunnel size and format, is expected to reach the cabinet next month.

The 4-kilometre Kathu–Patong road project, with a budget of 16.8 billion baht (11 billion for construction and 5.8 billion for land acquisition), was approved by the cabinet in August.

About 75% of the land acquisition is complete, with construction work scheduled to begin in April next year, ahead of an official opening in April 2030, according to the minister.

The road, which will run from tambon Patong to tambon Kathu, is expected to ease traffic congestion in Phuket.

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