Phuket: The government is moving forward with the Phuket Expressway Phase 1 (Kathu-Patong), aiming to reduce travel time to 5 minutes. It is expected to be operational in 2031. According to Thai News Agency, the government has announced it is moving forward with Phase 1 of the Phuket Expressway project, connecting Kathu and Patong, aiming to reduce travel time to just 5 minutes. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration by the end of 2026 and is projected to be operational in 2031.
Today (September 16, 2026), Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the progress of the Phuket Expressway project, a crucial infrastructure project that will help solve traffic problems, improve travel efficiency, and accommodate the growth of Phuket province. Currently, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has submitted the project to the Ministry of Transport, with design modifications, particularly a reduction in the tunnel size from 17 meters to 14 meters. The matter is currently undergoing consultation with relevant agencies.
'We expect the project to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval around December 2026. If the Cabinet approves, it will proceed to the bidding process, and we anticipate selecting a contractor around April 2027. Land acquisition is targeted to be completed by January 2027, with construction beginning in October 2027. The entire construction period will take four years, with completion expected by September 2031, and the project aiming to open for service in October 2031,' Ms. Ploytalee stated.
Ms. Ploytalee reiterated that the construction of the project will help bypass the limitations of the existing route between Kathu and Patong. The project includes both Patong and Kathu interchanges to support connectivity with the surrounding road network. However, once completed, the project will provide more travel options, reduce reliance on existing roads with physical limitations and traffic volume, improve accessibility to tourist attractions and economic areas, and enhance the safety and efficiency of Phuket's transportation system. It will also shorten travel time between Kathu and Patong from the current 30 minutes to just 5 minutes using the tunnel. It is estimated that upon completion of Phase 1, the project will handle an average traffic volume of approximately 50,000-60,000 vehicles per day, including motorcycles.