Phuket postpones boat taxi start – more waves for gentle traffic!

Phuket postpones boat taxi start – more waves for gentle traffic!

Something is happening in Phuket! Plans for a new traffic concept that will relieve pressure on the island's busy streets are in full swing. Particular focus is on the boat taxi project, which now requires some patience: Originally planned for this year, the start has been postponed to December 15th to 30th, 2025. Governor Saransak Srikruanet justified the delay with further detailed planning and safety checks, which is certainly understandable for many when it comes to safety on the water.

The first boat taxi route will be from Nai Yang Beach to Patong Beach and is expected to take around 40 minutes. At a distance of around 31 kilometers, this connection is a practical alternative to the often congested roads. In the long term, 14 stops are planned along the popular west coast, providing a great opportunity for residents and tourists to explore beaches such as Bang Tao, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.

Implementation details and concerns

An attractive detail: floating pontoons on the beaches make it easy to get on and off. To ensure the safety of passengers, special licensing rules for the boats are being developed. The test phase will be accompanied by an alliance of urban developers, a university and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, which will collect data and document experiences.

However, there are also critical voices: Some concerns relate to the capacity and practical implementation of the project. Governor Srikruanet has made it clear that the project could potentially be canceled if it causes more problems than it solves. An exciting project that brings with it both opportunities and challenges.

Phuket at a glance

Phuket is not only the largest island in Thailand, but also a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Known for its stunning beaches, ancient city with Sino-colonial architecture and lively markets, the island attracts millions of tourists annually. The best time to travel is from late December to mid-April, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C during the day.

Getting there is straightforward: Phuket International Airport is well-frequented, with a seasonal capacity of 12.5 million passengers, and there are regular flights from Bangkok. The Smart Bus service is available for getting around the island, while taxis and tuk-tuks are commonly used but can often cost a bit.

Phuket has a rich history as an important trade route between India and China and has never been colonized by European powers. The economy has changed over the years from a tin to a tourist-oriented model, which has brought the island a huge increase in international residents. Current estimates of the population are around 600,000, with increases up to 2,000,000 during peak season.

With attractive offerings and varied activities ranging from hikes in the Kata Hills to visits to historic sites such as Chinpracha House and Wat Chalong, Phuket is a true explorer's paradise. But as we prepare for the peak season and implement the boat taxi project, it is hoped that the preparations will go smoothly and visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of the island. Who knows, maybe the next boat taxi ride will soon become a reality!

For more information on current developments in Phuket, such as the Thailandsun project and the travel guide Lonely Planet you can just stop by. And you can also find the interesting history of the island here.