Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Satun to inspect progress on the major Songkhla-Satun tunnel project near Thung Tamsao intersection. He also aims to upgrade Pak Bara pier and tourist roads to boost the southern border economy.
Today (26 June 2026), Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Satun Province to monitor the progress of key transport and infrastructure projects in the area. He was accompanied by Piboon Ratchakitprakarn, party-list MP from Bhumjaithai Party; Peeraphat Ratchakitprakarn, Satun MP for constituency 1 from Bhumjaithai Party; Kanit Khongchuay, Governor of Satun; Damrongsak Kaewduang, Deputy Governor of Satun; Warophas Saengpaiyap, Director of Satun Rural Roads District; Somkiat Mokwang, Director of Satun Highway District; Thanat Khwannui, Acting Director of Satun Regional Marine Office; and other officials from the Ministry of Transport and related agencies, who welcomed and accompanied him on the visit.
Sanphet and his team first visited the area near Thung Tamsao intersection in Khuan Don district, where the Satun side of the tunnel exit is planned. They received information about the feasibility study for constructing the Songkhla–Satun connecting tunnel (Khlong Ngae - Thung Tamsao section near Thung Tamsao intersection on Highway 4137, km 0+000) and reviewed plans to develop transport networks linking travel between the Gulf of Thailand side and the Andaman Sea side in southern Thailand.
The project aims to reduce travel distance and time, improve the efficiency of passenger and goods transport, and support connectivity between Songkhla and Satun provinces. This will enhance economic potential, trade, investment, and tourism for both provinces and the wider southern region in the future.
Next, Sanphet and his team inspected progress on the road improvement project of route ST.3014 from Highway 404 junction to Chet Kot Cave in Manang district. They reviewed project advancement, listened to local concerns about travel issues affecting residents, and discussed solutions to improve convenience and safety in the area.
Upgrading this road will enhance travel safety standards, improve the local transport network, support connections to key tourist destinations, and facilitate the transport of agricultural products and goods to markets. This will help distribute economic opportunities and raise the quality of life for residents.
Subsequently, Sanphet and his team visited Pak Bara pier in La-ngu district to monitor pier management and water transport infrastructure development. They received information on the pier’s capacity, operational challenges, and plans to develop maritime logistics systems to support passenger travel, cargo transport, and marine tourism efficiently.
Developing Pak Bara pier and related infrastructure will strengthen maritime transport and logistics capabilities, linking Satun’s economic activities with the Andaman Sea side of southern Thailand and neighboring countries. This supports growth in tourism and cargo transport sectors, enhancing the competitiveness of Satun and nearby areas.
Sanphet stated that Satun has strong potential in tourism, border trade, agriculture, and maritime transport. Therefore, transport network development must be systematic, covering roads, waterways, and inter-provincial links to ensure safe and convenient travel, reduce transport costs, and create economic opportunities for residents and businesses.
The Ministry of Transport will use the information, issues, and recommendations gathered during the visit to review and coordinate with relevant agencies to accelerate project implementation. The goal is to ensure projects meet public needs and contribute to economic development and improved quality of life in Satun and the southern region to their full potential.
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