Anutin presided as the witness at the signing ceremony for the construction of two major bridges linking Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Koh Lanta, connecting southern Thailand’s network, saving time, and increasing opportunities. He pointed out this as the starting point of the Missing Link and stressed the projects must be completed within the contract deadlines.
At 1:00 p.m. on 31 August 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He presided as the witness at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of the Songkhla Lake Bridge project and the Koh Lanta connecting bridge project under the Green Transport development framework, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and supporting sustainable development in southern Thailand, held at Burisriphum Hotel, Hat Yai Subdistrict, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province.
This signing ceremony covers two major projects: the Songkhla Lake Bridge connecting Krasae Sin District in Songkhla Province with Khao Chaison District in Phatthalung Province, and the Koh Lanta connecting bridge linking Koh Klang Subdistrict with Koh Lanta Noi Subdistrict in Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province.
The Songkhla Lake Bridge project will provide an alternative travel route between Songkhla and Phatthalung, reducing travel time and costs, and supporting goods transportation and economic activities in the surrounding communities. Meanwhile, the Koh Lanta connecting bridge will enhance access to Koh Lanta, improve transport network efficiency, and support tourism and the economy in Krabi Province.
Today, I feel proud that the Cabinet and officials involved in initiating the Songkhla Lake Bridge and Koh Lanta connecting bridge projects have the chance to see the dreams of local people come true. “What I believe is the dream, what you want to see realized in your provinces, is what I want to build confidence in and affirm to all brothers and sisters of Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Krabi,” he said.
Anutin continued that since overseeing the Ministry of Transport as Deputy Prime Minister, the first thing he heard from people in these three provinces was when these two bridge projects would happen to improve quality of life and reduce living costs. “Today I am pleased to witness the contract signing for the construction of both projects, which marks a significant step in developing infrastructure in southern Thailand.”
The Prime Minister added that fulfilling the dreams of the people of Phatthalung and Songkhla is a great honor for him to witness today, and he affirmed that he, the Cabinet, and relevant ministers will do everything to complete these projects as soon as possible.
“Please be assured that I and Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, will do everything to complete these projects quickly. Imagine how much life will improve when travel from Songkhla to Phatthalung, now two hours, will take only 15 minutes or no more than half an hour in a few years, saving time and living costs and opening many opportunities.”
Additionally, in Krabi Province, the Koh Lanta connecting bridge project will symbolize Thailand’s—and especially southern Thailand’s—role as a center of economic growth, quality of life, opportunities for people, tourist attraction, revenue generation, and national stability. “These two bridges will be bridges of opportunity from the government, intended to go hand in hand with sustainable provincial development.”
He further noted that the areas are environmentally sensitive and naturally valuable, especially around Songkhla Lake, home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, a protected wildlife species and a national natural treasure. Therefore, the government’s policy is clear that economic and transport development must not come at the expense of natural resources. “This project has been designed to meet the highest and strictest environmental standards.”
However, once both bridges are completed, they will improve quality of life in all aspects, enhance safety, facilitate travel and goods transport, and serve as the start of the Missing Link connecting routes through Phang Nga and Krabi provinces. “This clearly answers what the Missing Link is: when all connections—top, bottom, and diagonal—are completed, we will have the greatest advantage geographically and geopolitically as the center of the ASEAN community.”
Anutin also revealed that Thailand’s trade is not limited to its 70 million population; if transport and trade can be connected with other countries, Thailand will be a key hub linking over 1 billion people in the region. Hence, infrastructure must be seriously accumulated and developed to make Thailand the center of ASEAN. “Especially in a world of volatility, ASEAN remains the region with the most stability, security, and least conflict. This is a top priority for the government.”
Regarding tourism promotion, the Prime Minister said both projects will connect tourist destinations on the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand sides, which are potential hotspots. The Koh Lanta connecting bridge will link Krabi mainland to Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai islands. “What I prioritize more than vehicle traffic is to allow bicycles as well, creating a space promoting health for those who love it to live happily and enjoy themselves, encouraging tourism and providing many opportunities for local people.”
At the end, the Prime Minister said these projects will stimulate the grassroots economy, create jobs, careers, and sustainable opportunities for communities. These two projects connect two provinces—heaven with heaven, not heaven with hell. It must be all heaven; it cannot be all hell. Everyone must ensure good quality work and complete on schedule. “We must use our knowledge, abilities, and experience to make these happen in southern Thailand and make Thailand known worldwide.”
