Suriya Jungrungkit, Minister of Transport, revealed that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has reported on the tram mass transit project in Phuket Province (Tram Phuket), currently under Phase 1 study, specifically the Phuket Airport-Intersection section. Adjustments are being made to align the project with current spatial conditions, especially in areas with narrow traffic lanes, including intersections between highways and rail transport. Furthermore, investment modalities, the type of rail system to be employed, and fare pricing for maximum efficiency are being reviewed before the project’s initiation in the next two years, as per policies outlined since September 2024.
Jungrungkit emphasized the urgent need to complete road construction by the Department of Highways to serve as an alternate route during Tram Phuket’s construction phase. Simultaneous construction of both roads and tram systems would exacerbate traffic issues in Phuket Province, particularly along Highway 402 (Thepkrasattri Road), significantly impacting public travel. Initial assessments are set to conclude within 2024. SRT has scheduled project timelines, including the formation of 26 working committees under the 2019 Public-Private Partnership Act and the board’s deliberations from October 2024 to June 2025. Proposals will be submitted to the Ministry of Transport, the State Enterprise Policy Office, the PPP Committee, and the Cabinet from July 2025 to February 2026.
Jungrungkit further elaborated that upon Cabinet approval, private sector selection would commence from March 2026 to August 2027, with project construction slated for September 2027 to November 2030, and service commencement in December 2030. He affirmed that the Tram Phuket project would receive approval during his tenure as Minister of Transport, ensuring adherence to SRT’s outlined plans. Initially following the existing route, starting from Phuket Airport to the end at Thalang Intersection, spanning approximately 42 kilometers, with various intersections between roads and tram lines along Thepkrasattri Road (Highway 402), designs are being modified to incorporate underpass tunnels beneath the road for enhanced safety, minimizing traffic impacts.
Jungrungkit added that the outer ring road underpass tunnels along Thepkrasattri Road 402 in Phuket Town are planned at five locations: before reaching Muang Thalang School (1.10 km), at the intersection of Muang Dork Dao Khaow (1.30 km), passing through Thalang District (3.25 km), in front of Srisoonthorn Municipality (1.10 km), and at the intersection of Ko Kaeo and Bang Koo (2.60 km). Regarding passenger fare rates, different rates may apply: for local residents, fares may be lower to incentivize usage, while tourists or non-local travelers commuting from the airport to various tourist destinations may face higher fares, ensuring fairness and justifying project investments. Currently, Phuket and Chiang Mai provinces are the focal points for expedited action, with Chiang Mai’s Red Line, from Nakornping Hospital to Mae Hia-Maehia Saman Kuk, covering 15.8 kilometers, set to conclude preliminary assessments by 2024, similar to Tram Phuket. However, due to the historic city area, further time may be required for surveys of archaeological sites and community engagement. The existing Chiang Mai tram plan has undergone various stages and is slated to begin construction in 2026, with service commencement in 2031.
