Phuket mega project: Tunnel plans overturned – criticism of safety risks!

Phuket mega project: Tunnel plans overturned – criticism of safety risks!

Thailand's Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn has stopped the Patong Tunnel, a project that had been associated with much hope and even more concern. The tunnel was originally supposed to be almost 18 meters wide and have four lanes. Now it is being reduced to 10 meters wide, which is causing doubts among many citizens and critics. The planned toll fee, which was supposed to be 15 baht for motorcycles and 40 baht for cars, was canceled entirely. This decision is causing unrest not only among local residents, but also among political representatives such as Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who describes the decision as a “complete dismantling” of years of planning. It also highlights serious safety concerns, particularly regarding the dangerous slopes and accident risks on the Kathu-Patong road.

The background to this decision is complex. Loud wochenblitz.com the state highway agency EXAT has lost its control over the project and the Department of Highways will now assume responsibility. Critics express concerns about security and speak of possible technical deficiencies. In recent years, the Kathu-Patong Road has already faced challenges such as landslides triggered by heavy rains. The original plan called for a total of 11 billion baht for a 3.98-kilometer route with a 1.85-kilometer tunnel. Land expropriations for the project, costing up to 5.75 billion baht, have already been completed.

But what does this have to do with Patong, the main tourist destination on Phuket? Patong is known not only for its famous beach and vibrant nightlife, but also for its infrastructural challenges. The municipality, which gained popularity among Western tourists, particularly Europeans, in the late 1980s, attracts an enormous number of visitors daily. The main road, Bangla Road, is considered the center of nightlife and attracts large numbers of tourists, often resulting in massive crowds and associated problems.

In Patong, prostitution is illegal, but still tolerated. The region has had a turbulent history, particularly after the devastating tsunami in 2004 that hit the area hard. Nevertheless, Patong has recovered and remains a magnet for travelers. But the now-overburdened sewage systems, which a 2015 report found did not meet Thai Environment Ministry standards, are again raising questions. Many households discharge their wastewater into the sea untreated, which leads to environmental problems.

The debate over the Patong Tunnel sheds light on the ongoing challenges facing this vibrant urban community. Residents and visitors are asking themselves: How will the Minister of Transport's decision affect the safety and traffic situation in Patong? The developments are of paramount importance to both service providers and the public in order to make Phuket's busiest roads safer.