PHUKET, THAILAND — After more than two decades of delays, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed on 5 November that the long–discussed Patong Tunnel will officially move forward, ending years of public frustration and stalled feasibility studies.
Government Confirmation and Public Response
During the afternoon of 5 November, the Phuket Public Relations Office released four official statements within two hours, each carrying the identical declaration: the tunnel will be built. The announcements directly followed a public protest by local business owners and residents on Patong Hill, a site known for heavy traffic and repeated accidents.
Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated, “I CAN CONFIRM THAT THE PHUKET TUNNEL WILL DEFINITELY BE BUILT. THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER CHANGES,” reiterating the government’s full commitment under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive.
Design Revisions and Technical Adjustments
Just one week earlier, Minister Phiphat had ordered a redesign that reduced the planned tunnel width from 17 metres to 10 metres. The revised plan also removed the earlier proposal for a toll fee and reassigned project oversight away from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT). Engineers are currently reviewing whether motorcycles will be allowed to pass through and what additional safety systems will be required. The minister added that a toll–free route would boost Phuket’s economy by lowering travel costs for both residents and tourists.
Two–Phase Expansion Under “Phuket Expressway Project”
The Patong Tunnel forms the first phase of the Phuket Expressway Project, linking Kathu to Patong across a 4–kilometre section beneath Patong Hill. According to Ministry data, this section will remain free of charge. The second phase covers a 30.6–kilometre elevated road between Muang Mai and Kathu, for which fees may still apply. A 2022 feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment had already been completed to address safety and ecological concerns.
Authorities expect the entire route to cut travel time between Phuket International Airport and Patong Beach drastically while reducing frequent collisions on the steep mountain road.
Construction Timeline and Next Steps
Transport Ministry planning documents place the project within the procurement phase in 2024, with tendering for construction firms scheduled by 2026. Actual building work is expected to begin the following year. Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated, “I WANT THE PEOPLE OF PHUKET TO REST ASSURED THAT WE WILL NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. WE WILL ENSURE A SAFE, FREE, AND CONVENIENT PASSAGE FOR ALL,” confirming that construction will proceed under direct government supervision.
Persistent Local Pressure
Demonstrators from Patong’s business community said during their late–October protest that repeated government assurances had lost credibility after more than 20 years of delays. However, following the minister’s November confirmation and the public release of the revised technical drawings, local officials in Kathu District reported renewed optimism and requested that preliminary site surveys begin before the end of 2025.
Key project details:
– Total tunnels and roadworks: 34.6 km combined (4 km tunnel + 30.6 km elevated road)
– Announced: 5 November by Deputy PM Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn
– Projected tender completion: 2026
– Planned start of construction: next year after tender
– Toll policy: free for tunnel section, possible fee for elevated road
Transport Ministry sources confirmed that the Phuket Tunnel remains a national infrastructure priority, intended to relieve one of Thailand’s most congested tourist routes by 2027.