The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning says an impact study will be carried out on the proposed Andaman coastal road that would link the southern provinces of Ranong and Satun. The project has been on the table as part of a broader Thailand Riviera project to provide a regional focus on coastal living and tourism for the Andaman coast.
According to a Bangkok Post report, the director of the OTP says the planned two-lane, 600 kilometre road would improve tourist access to the southern provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Punya Chupanit adds that if the project goes ahead, it will include facilities such as recreation areas, parking, viewpoint stops, and potentially a bicycle lane. He says the OTP is in the process of hiring a consultant to carry out the impact study.
In October 2021, Cabinet gave the green light to a Ranong – Satun road, with the OTP tasked with conducting a feasibility study, to include an environmental impact assessment.
Punya says that if the contract is signed this month, the feasibility study can start in September and will be finished by March 2025. The results of the study will be sent to the Transport Ministry for Cabinet approval.
The OTP also plans to hold 3 public hearings, with local residents, local administrations, and provincial chambers of commerce invited to attend.
Overall management of the project is expected to lie with the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads. Punya points out that the Department of Rural Roads has the necessary experience with the Transport Ministry’s Thailand Riviera project. This proposal was put forward last year, with the aim of enhancing tourism in the Andaman region.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
