The Thai Cabinet is set to decide on a 6.5 billion baht loan for two major bridge projects in southern Thailand, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel time. These projects include the construction of the longest bridge in Thailand, the Norah Bridge, and a bridge connecting Koh Lanta. The budget proposal was updated by the Department of Rural Roads (DRR), Ministry of Transport, as of July 1, 2024.
The projects involve the Songkhla Lake Bridge, connecting Koh Yai, Krasae Sin district in Songkhla, to Chong Thanon, Khao Chaison district in Phatthalung, with a budget of 4.7 billion baht, and the Koh Lanta Bridge, connecting Koh Klang to Koh Lanta Noi in Koh Lanta district, Krabi, with a budget of 1.8 billion baht.
A recent meeting led by Phachara Anantasilp, Director of the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), discussed the use of off-budget funds (loans) from the World Bank to finance the projects. The World Bank has approved a loan covering 70% of the total cost, amounting to 4.55 billion baht. The remaining 1.95 billion baht will come from the fiscal budget, allocated annually from 2025 to 2027.
Additionally, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has requested an extra 480 million baht loan from the World Bank to implement conservation measures and rehabilitate the Songkhla Lake ecosystem, addressing the endangerment of Irrawaddy dolphins.
The PDMO will present the detailed loan plan to the Cabinet for approval. If the Cabinet approves and the budget allocation for 2025 is confirmed, the DRR plans to open the bidding process for the projects next year. The construction is expected to take 3-4 years, aiming for completion by 2029, a delay from the original target set in 2023 during Saksayam Chidchob’s tenure as Minister of Transport. The foundation stones for both projects were laid on March 18, 2022, with Cabinet approval on October 18, 2022.
The Songkhla Lake Bridge, with a budget of 4.7 billion baht, consists of a 70% loan (3.29 billion baht) and 30% budget (1.41 billion baht). Spanning 7 km, it will be the longest bridge in Thailand, surpassing the current record held by the Chalerm Phrakiat 80th Anniversary Bridge, which is 5.5 km long. The new bridge will connect Krasae Sin district in Songkhla to Khao Chaison district in Phatthalung, reducing travel distance from 80 km to 7 km and travel time from two hours to 10-15 minutes. The bridge will feature two traffic lanes and incorporate local Norah art in its design.
The Koh Lanta Bridge, with a budget of 1.8 billion baht, also consists of a 70% loan (1.26 billion baht) and 30% budget (540 million baht). It will span 1,825 meters with two traffic lanes, including 415 meters of connecting roads on both sides, totaling 2,240 meters. The bridge will facilitate 24-hour travel between the islands, reducing travel time to less than 10 minutes and eliminating the need to wait 1-2 hours for ferries, while offering scenic views of Koh Lanta.
Officials and community leaders are hopeful that the Cabinet will approve the loan, allowing these critical infrastructure projects to move forward and significantly enhance transportation efficiency and economic development in southern Thailand.
