Thailand Advances Infrastructure Development with New Motorway Project
The first phase of a 109-kilometre motorway aims to improve southern connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Thailand is set to initiate a significant infrastructure project with the proposed development of a new motorway designed to enhance connectivity in the southern regions of the country.
The first phase, covering 61 kilometres, is anticipated to be presented for Cabinet approval within the month, with the bidding process expected to commence immediately thereafter.
Minister of Transport Suriya Juengrungruengkit emphasized the importance of this project, stating that groundbreaking is aimed for 2027. The motorway is projected to notably reduce travel times and improve logistics, consequently benefiting both the economy and the public.
The estimated cost for the first phase of the project is approximately 61.154 billion baht, which encompasses construction, land acquisition, and the installation of systems.
The route planned for this phase will traverse several key provinces, including Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram.
In addition, a second phase of the project, which aims to connect Pak Tho to Cha-am and spans around 48 kilometres, is currently under review.
The Department of Highways (DOH) is preparing to conduct a new route study to address public concerns regarding the impact of land expropriation associated with the original alignment.
This supplementary study is expected to commence in 2025.
The entire M8 motorway project will total 109 kilometres and is an integral part of Thailand's broader infrastructure development plan.
Officials expect that the completion of the motorway, which is projected to take four years, will significantly enhance transportation efficiency across southern Thailand, stimulate economic growth, and promote tourism in the region.
The first phase, covering 61 kilometres, is anticipated to be presented for Cabinet approval within the month, with the bidding process expected to commence immediately thereafter.
Minister of Transport Suriya Juengrungruengkit emphasized the importance of this project, stating that groundbreaking is aimed for 2027. The motorway is projected to notably reduce travel times and improve logistics, consequently benefiting both the economy and the public.
The estimated cost for the first phase of the project is approximately 61.154 billion baht, which encompasses construction, land acquisition, and the installation of systems.
The route planned for this phase will traverse several key provinces, including Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram.
In addition, a second phase of the project, which aims to connect Pak Tho to Cha-am and spans around 48 kilometres, is currently under review.
The Department of Highways (DOH) is preparing to conduct a new route study to address public concerns regarding the impact of land expropriation associated with the original alignment.
This supplementary study is expected to commence in 2025.
The entire M8 motorway project will total 109 kilometres and is an integral part of Thailand's broader infrastructure development plan.
Officials expect that the completion of the motorway, which is projected to take four years, will significantly enhance transportation efficiency across southern Thailand, stimulate economic growth, and promote tourism in the region.
