The Department of Rural Roads in Thailand is currently awaiting approval from the World Bank for terms of reference (TOR) related to two large-scale infrastructure projects, both aimed at improving transportation in the country’s southern region. These proposals, presented in early March 2025, involve bridge construction across Songkhla Lake and a separate project linking Lanta Island in Krabi Province.
The combined budget for the two ventures amounts to 6.695 billion baht, with the Songkhla Lake bridge allocated 4.841 billion baht and the Lanta Island bridge 1.854 billion baht. Of the total, approximately 70 percent—around 4.55 billion baht—is expected to be funded through a World Bank loan. The remaining 30 percent will come from the national budget for the 2025–2028 fiscal years.
Pending approval, the Department of Rural Roads plans to finalize the TOR and publish it on its official website to gather public feedback. This is part of the international competitive bidding process, required before contract awards can be made. Construction for both projects is tentatively scheduled to begin in August 2025, with a projected completion date in 2029.
The Songkhla Lake bridge, spanning 7 kilometers, will link Krasaesin District in Songkhla to Khao Chaison District in Phatthalung. The structure will feature two traffic lanes and incorporate local Norah dance motifs in its design. It is expected to reduce travel time across the lake from two hours to just 10–15 minutes by cutting the route from 80 kilometers to seven.
Meanwhile, the 1.825-kilometer Lanta bridge will connect Koh Klang and Koh Lanta Noi in Krabi Province. Designed with two lanes, it will enable 24-hour road access to the island, eliminating the need for ferry services and shortening travel to about 10 minutes.
Both projects received initial cabinet approval on October 18, 2022. Former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob presided over the foundation stone ceremony for the bridges on March 22, 2022. Originally slated to begin in 2023 with completion in 2026, the timeline has since been adjusted slightly.
