Phuket Moves Ahead With Kathu–Patong Expressway Project

Thailand is moving forward with the first phase of the Phuket Expressway, a major infrastructure project designed to improve the connection between Kathu and Patong and provide an alternative to the existing road.

The Kathu–Patong route is expected to reduce travel time between the two areas from around 30 minutes to approximately five minutes. The project is also intended to ease congestion and improve access to key tourism and economic areas of Phuket.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said on September 16 that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand had submitted the project to the Ministry of Transport. As part of the revised plans, the proposed tunnel width has been reduced from 17 metres to 14 metres, with the relevant agencies currently reviewing the changes.

The project is expected to be submitted for Cabinet consideration around December 2026.

Construction timeline

According to the current plan, land acquisition is targeted for completion by January 2027. The contractor selection process is expected to take place around April, with construction scheduled to begin in October 2027.

The construction period is planned to last four years, with completion targeted for September 2031. If the schedule remains unchanged, the expressway could open to traffic in October 2031.

Phase 1 will include the main Kathu–Patong tunnel as well as interchanges in Kathu and Patong. These will connect the expressway with surrounding roads and are intended to reduce traffic pressure on the existing route.

Once operational, the first phase is projected to accommodate around 50,000–60,000 vehicles per day, including motorcycles. The project is expected to improve traffic flow and connectivity between Kathu and Patong while also supporting road safety in the area.