PATONG, THAILAND – A multi-million-baht project to move overhead cables underground turned Patong’s famous Bangla Road into a major construction site.
Major underground cable project launched
A large inauguration ceremony marked the start of the 224 million baht project. Mayor Lalita Maneesri personally announced the beginning of the work.
“The project improves public safety and protects the infrastructure from weather influences,”
said Lalita Maneesri, Mayor.
Bangla Road first, more streets to follow
Work began on the legendary Bangla Road, to be followed by Thaweewong Rd and Sawatdirak Rd. In total, almost 1.8 kilometers of road were to be rebuilt, with power and telecommunications cables permanently relocated underground. The costs were shared between Patong Municipality (84.45 million baht) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (137.53 million baht).
Tight timetable for completion
“Bangla Road should be finished by early January,”
said Weerawit Krueasombat, Council President. From April, work was scheduled to continue on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd. The contract was awarded to Asefa Public Co Ltd, the lowest bidder among six participating companies.
Traffic chaos expected during construction
In the coming months, residents and visitors had to prepare for significant traffic disruption. Road closures and diversions were described as unavoidable. The municipality explicitly warned of temporary traffic obstructions and announced that specific closures would be communicated in advance for each site.
Cleaner skyline and reduced fire risk
The tangle of overhead power and telephone lines was expected to disappear from view. According to officials, the fire risk would be significantly reduced. Thammarong Chuayaksorn from the Kathu District Office said,
“Underground lines reduce service interruptions and improve the cityscape.”
said Thammarong Chuayaksorn, Kathu District Office official.
Modernization for a key tourist hub
The project was presented as an important step toward modernization in tourist hotspots such as Patong. The Provincial Electricity Authority had already been working for more than a decade to remove overhead power lines. Now, telecommunications cables were being added to the effort.
Agencies clarify their roles
Mahama Kaje, NBTC regional director, emphasized the limited role of his agency.
“Our involvement concerns only telecommunications cables.”
said Mahama Kaje, NBTC regional director. Rapid growth in Phuket had led to a confusing mass of cables, which the project aimed to finally eliminate.