Deputy Minister Phiphat ordered the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to push forward all projects as planned, assuring that the Rama 2 road will be fully operational by early 2027. He also opened discussions on building a "Second-Level Expressway," studying its cost-effectiveness and impact on residents. Construction of the Kathu-Patong tunnel will proceed, but with a reduced tunnel width from 17 meters to 14 meters for safety. The plan will be submitted for board review before being proposed to the Cabinet for approval in June.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed after delivering policy directives to EXAT that he has urged the authority to accelerate construction of the expressway on Rama 2 Road.Rama 2 Roadto complete the project and open it for public use by early 2027. EXAT has been instructed to prioritize safety measures in all construction projects, following the Prime Minister's directives.
Regarding the second-level or double-deck expressway project, the plan is to start fromRama 9 Expresswayto Ngamwongwan. Currently, the project is under a cost-benefit study. EXAT's labor union has submitted a letter to him and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport. The ministry is ready to listen to opinions before making a decision or proposing it to the Cabinet.
"The Ministry of Transport, EXAT executives, and related sectors will jointly discuss the project's suitability, including its benefits for traffic congestion relief, investment value, and ways to extend private concessions if further investment occurs. Studies will assess how much the project reduces traffic jams both inbound and outbound between Ngamwongwan and Rama 9. The impact on about 200-300 residents living under the expressway will also be considered. Representatives of those affected will be invited for discussions at the ministry, and I may visit the site with EXAT executives to hear concerns directly," Phiphat said.
"Before submission to the Cabinet, clear understanding must be reached with all parties, including the labor union and affected residents, and proof of the project's cost-effectiveness is required. Currently, it is not confirmed whether the Double Deck project will proceed as it depends on the study results. I have ordered EXAT to prepare videos and study findings to aid decision-making and evaluate how much the project would ease traffic," he added.
However, a conclusion is expected within 2-3 months, with formal discussions resuming next month. If proven beneficial, there will be no delay, but if not cost-effective, expectations for road users and the private sector should not be raised. If the Double Deck project proceeds, it will be part of negotiations with private operators to reduce tolls along the route from Rama 9 to Ngamwongwan to no more than 50 baht throughout the concession period, down from the current 70-80 baht. No formal talks on extending the 22-year concession have taken place yet, pending the cost-benefit study results.
Regarding progress on the N2 expressway project along Kaset-Nawamin Road, EXAT reported readiness to proceed. The design will be elevated rather than an underground tunnel due to high tunneling costs. EXAT acknowledges land issues with Kasetsart University and Phiphat plans to personally meet the university president before discussing with the university council to seek cooperation for project advancement.
"Traffic problems in Bangkok are worsening. The existing piers have long been completed, so I urge cooperation to continue the project. I confirm the piers remain usable if the project moves forward. Recently, EXAT inspected piers along Kaset-Nawamin Road's route, and engineers confirmed they can be used for construction. The idea of using the current road surface has been dropped; it will be an elevated structure only," Phiphat said.Kaset-Nawamin Road,
Phiphat confirmed the Patong tunnel project in Phuket will continue. It will be proposed to the Cabinet in June to review construction plans and budget after rising costs. The project previously received Cabinet approval, but this submission aims to revise the design for enhanced safety by reducing tunnel width from 17 meters to about 14-15 meters, while maintaining the same number of lanes for cars and motorcycles to control costs within the original budget despite higher current material prices. After Cabinet approval, bidding is expected within one month, with contract signing early 2027.
Phiphat also discussed the policy to switch expressway lighting to LED lamps, which will be implemented gradually as existing lamps reach end of life. Lamps still usable for several more years will use light control systems or tuners to reduce brightness during unnecessary periods, saving about 40% in electricity costs. Fully switching to LED would reduce electricity costs by approximately 60%, despite LED lamps being more expensive than the old sodium lamps.
He clarified misinformation about the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) planning to replace 800,000 LED lamps by 2028, calling it inaccurate since the agency lacks such a large budget. The DRR will similarly replace lamps gradually as they expire, like EXAT.
"When there is misinformation, the Ministry of Transport must clarify. Please listen to information directly from me or the ministry's authorized spokesperson," Phiphat said.
Read more " Government Policy Additional