The Ministry of Transport is advancing the construction of two large-scale projects. These include the bridge connecting Ko Lanta and the bridge across Songkhla Lake. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and finish in 2029, supporting the southern economy and tourism.
Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, along with Mr. Chonlat Ratchakitprakarn, Ms. Sasithorn Kittithornkul, Mr. Romtham Khamnurak, list MP Mr. Somyot Plaiduang, Mr. Anukul Pruksaanusak, MPs for Songkhla Province, Air Commodore Athikun Khongmee, Mr. Worath Therdweeraphong, MPs for Phatthalung Province, Mr. Kitti Kittithornkul, Mr. Thiradet Tangmankokit, and Mr. Kittichai Engchuan, MPs for Krabi Province, jointly held a press conference on progress of key Ministry of Transport projects to upgrade southern Thailand at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the Cabinet has approved proceeding with two major projects by the Department of Rural Roads: the Ko Lanta bridge in Krabi Province and the Songkhla Lake bridge. This is good news for local residents, as contractors have been selected for both projects, with plans to start construction in late 2026 and complete by 2029.
To provide an overview of both major projects, key information and benefits have been summarized in a comparison table as follows.
| Information Category | Ko Lanta Bridge Project | Songkhla Lake Bridge Project |
| Project Location | Ko Lanta District, Krabi Province | Krasae Sin District, Songkhla Province - Khao Chaison District, Phatthalung Province |
| Total Length | 2.2 kilometers (Bridge 1.92 km / Connecting road 0.28 km) | Approximately 7 kilometers |
| Budget | 1,849.50 million baht | 4,829.25 million baht |
| Construction Schedule | Start late 2026 – complete 2029 | Start late 2026 – complete 2029 |
| Main Benefits to Area | • Resolves delays caused by ferry services • Enhances travel safety • Supports international-level tourist destination | • Reduces travel distance by over 80 kilometers • Cuts travel time from 2 hours to 10–15 minutes • Boosts logistics and trade around the lake |
Next steps include the Ministry of Finance signing a loan agreement with the World Bank. Once completed, the Department of Rural Roads will sign contracts with contractors and proceed with piling work on schedule.
Previously, access to Ko Lanta depended on ferry services, which often faced severe delays and overcrowding, especially during the tourist season. The Ko Lanta bridge project will directly address these issues. Mr. Sanphet said the bridge is not just a land connection but also links people with safety and connects local businesses to new economic opportunities.
The Songkhla Lake bridge will become a strategic route linking Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces. Besides reducing travel time from 2 hours to under 15 minutes, it will stimulate tourism around Songkhla Lake and enhance logistics capabilities in southern Thailand.
The Deputy Minister of Transport added that infrastructure development must proceed alongside environmental care. For the Songkhla Lake bridge, the Cabinet has also approved a 5-year conservation plan budget of 402.82 million baht to protect Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake, ensuring balanced construction and natural resource preservation.
Mr. Sanphet stated that advancing these two projects results from collaboration among multiple parties: the Cabinet, Ministry of Finance, Department of Rural Roads, related agencies, and southern MPs who have continuously monitored, promoted, and voiced local residents' concerns.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Rural Roads, will expedite relevant procedures to ensure the projects proceed on schedule, emphasizing carefulness, transparency, adherence to procedures, environmental consideration, and public benefit.
"Today marks another important step for southern Thailand, moving projects long awaited by the public from plans on paper to preparation for actual construction. I and fellow southern MPs will continue to monitor progress to ensure these important projects deliver tangible results and maximum benefits to local residents," Mr. Sanphet said.
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