SURAT THANI, THAILAND – A planned expressway worth about 74 billion baht was set to connect the mainland directly to the resort island of Koh Samui by the end of 2033.
Third public hearing outlines budget and scope
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) held its third public hearing on the Samui Island Expressway and presented key financial and scheduling details. The total budget of 74.044 billion baht covered land purchases, construction, construction supervision, as well as operation and maintenance.
Construction costs and phased approvals
Around 63.275 billion baht of the overall funding was allocated specifically to construction work. The study and planning phase was scheduled for 2023 to 2026, after which the plan was to be submitted between 2026 and 2027 to the Transport Ministry and the Cabinet for approval.
Timeline from land acquisition to opening
Acquisition of the necessary land was planned for 2028 to 2029, with construction targeted to start in 2029. The expressway was expected to begin operations by late 2033, according to the project timetable.
Route, length and technical design
The route was to start at kilometre 14+500 of Road 4142 in Don Sak district in Surat Thani province. It would pass through the subdistricts Khuan Thong and Thong Nian in Nakhon Si Thammarat and end at kilometre 9+000 of Road 4170 in the Taling Ngam area on Koh Samui.
Four-lane link over 37.41 kilometres
The expressway was designed to have a total length of 37.41 kilometres and four traffic lanes. It would be built within a corridor about 70 metres wide, with side safety fences and additional service roads for local traffic.
Land expropriations and building relocations
For the project, 277 private land plots were to be taken over, with the relocation of 45 buildings planned in Don Sak district. Along the remaining section of the route, a further 55 plots were required, where 9 buildings would have to be demolished, and 1.628 billion baht of the budget was earmarked solely for land acquisition.
Toll station location and fee structure
The toll station was planned at kilometre 8+500, with toll rates to be reviewed every five years. Fees were set at 1,000 baht per car, 2,000 baht for vehicles with six to ten wheels and 3,000 baht for vehicles with more than ten wheels.
Control centre and service facilities
In addition to toll collection, a control centre (CCB), buildings for emergencies and maintenance, and rest areas were planned along the expressway. These facilities were intended to support traffic in both directions between the mainland and Koh Samui.