A game-changing project
Thailand is preparing one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects: a 55-billion-baht bridge connecting Koh Samui to the mainland. If all goes according to plan, drivers will reach the island in just 20 minutes—compared to the current 1.5 to 3 hours spent queuing and sailing by ferry.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has already completed nearly 90 percent of its feasibility study. The third public hearing is set for late 2025, with final results due early next year. If the Cabinet signs off in 2027, construction could begin by 2029, paving the way for an official opening in 2034.
More than just a bridge
The project is not a simple crossing but a 37.41-kilometre expressway running from Khanom District in Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Samui, passing through stretches of rubber and palm oil plantations. Built under a public-private partnership, EXAT would oversee construction while private operators handle maintenance, tolls, and daily operations.
Utility lines for water, power, and telecommunications are also expected to be laid alongside the structure, turning the bridge into a vital artery for the island.
The projected toll fee for a private car stands at 1,000 baht per trip—higher than the current 550 baht ferry fare plus 170 baht per passenger. Yet the time saved is dramatic. Authorities expect 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles to cross daily, generating an estimated 400 billion baht in long-term economic benefits.
Boost for Samui’s tourism
As Thailand’s second most visited island after Phuket, Samui already attracts millions of tourists every year. The bridge could supercharge that popularity while also easing the transport of goods, cutting costs for local businesses and strengthening infrastructure.
But concerns remain. Environmental impact studies are ongoing, and EXAT has promised that upcoming public consultations will address questions of sustainability and ecological safety.
What happens next?
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2025: Completion of feasibility study
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2026: Cabinet submission
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2027: Cabinet decision and bidding process
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2029: Construction start
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2034: Official opening
If approved, the Samui mega bridge could redefine tourism and trade in southern Thailand—cementing the island’s place as one of Asia’s top destinations.