Villagers Agree! Build a Bridge to Koh Chang, Push for Completion, Urges Expressway Authority
Source: Naewna website
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 22:17
Residents of Koh Chang support the construction of a bridge to the island, urging the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to expedite the project. They believe it will reduce inequality, while major investors point out that it will enhance competitiveness and increase tourist numbers.
On September 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM, at the Aiyapura Hotel in Koh Chang District, Trat Province, Mr. Naris Palawong Na Ayudhya, the District Chief of Koh Chang representing the Governor of Trat, along with the EXAT under the Ministry of Transport, held the second public hearing (project orientation) on the feasibility study concerning engineering, economic, financial, and environmental aspects of the special expressway project connecting Koh Chang, Trat Province. The meeting was attended by EXAT Deputy Governor Mr. Katchapajorn Udomthamphakdee, Project Manager Mr. Chanwit Artsomiti, and representatives from six consulting firms. Over 250 people, including government officials, local government organizations, state enterprises, and tourism entrepreneurs from Koh Chang, participated in the meeting to discuss the bridge construction.
After listening to the project orientation by Mr. Chanwit Artsomiti, the consulting firm representative presented the feasibility study of the bridge construction to the meeting. The attendees unanimously agreed on the necessity of the project, regardless of the construction location, as long as it is seriously pursued according to the needs of the residents of Trat and Koh Chang. The residents emphasized that they have long suffered from limited access to education and healthcare compared to mainland Trat residents and urged EXAT to proceed with the project promptly.
Mr. Pornchai Kemmaphanpong, President of the Trat Province Tourism Industry Council and a major entrepreneur in Koh Chang, highlighted the current travel difficulties to Koh Chang, such as traffic congestion in Bangkok and the long wait for the ferry to cross to Koh Chang, which takes 1-2 hours or even longer during festivals. He noted that these issues have caused Koh Chang to miss out on opportunities. Moreover, the private airport on the island has not seen investments to accommodate large commercial flights, and there is no double-track railway. He argued that if a bridge is built, it would significantly enhance business competitiveness, as travel would be possible at any time, thus increasing tourist numbers and business revenue.
Mr. Sarapol Prasat Sin, President of the Trat Province Hotel and Resort Association, expressed that it was beneficial for EXAT to hear the views of Koh Chang and Trat residents regarding the bridge construction. He pointed out that the current ferry service is the only travel option to Koh Chang, and when the number of tourists increases, the long wait for the ferry can harm Koh Chang's tourism image. He added that if the bridge is built, 24-hour access to the island would provide more opportunities for Thai tourists, leading to increased revenue for businesses and more equitable distribution of income across other sectors. Additionally, he emphasized that the bridge would promote equality among Koh Chang and Trat residents by improving travel speed and offering an alternative to the ferry service.
Mr. Saksit Mungkan, an executive of Siam Royal View Group in Koh Chang, revealed that currently, around 800 cars travel to Koh Chang daily, increasing to 1,200 on weekends and even more during long holidays. He estimated that the economic benefits from toll collections by EXAT would quickly cover the investment costs, with additional economic benefits in various dimensions. In 2024, Trat Province's tourism revenue from January to April alone reached 14 billion baht, with an expected rise to 20 billion baht by the end of the year. He argued that if the bridge is built, tourist numbers and revenue could increase significantly, further justifying the construction investment.
Ms. Wipa Sunetra, President of the Trat Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Baan Poo Group of Hotels, shared that the Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for the bridge project for over a decade. She acknowledged the benefits of the bridge for enhancing travel convenience and boosting the local economy. However, she also pointed out that some foreign tourists prefer the ferry ride to Koh Chang, as it offers scenic views, and the journey takes only 30 minutes. She raised concerns about potential traffic and parking issues on Koh Chang during peak tourist seasons, suggesting that these issues should be addressed before the bridge is completed. She also proposed alternative investments, such as improving ferry services or enhancing local healthcare and educational facilities, which might reduce the need for a bridge.
In conclusion, Mr. Katchapajorn Udomthamphakdee summarized the meeting, acknowledging the strong desire of Trat and Koh Chang residents for the bridge's construction. He assured that budget constraints are not an issue, as EXAT has its funds and revenue from toll collections, and proposed incorporating utilities like communication cables, power lines, or water pipes into the bridge design to optimize public utility spending and reduce toll charges.
Villagers Agree! Build a Bridge to Koh Chang, Push for Completion, Urges Expressway Authority
Source: Naewna website
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 22:17
Residents of Koh Chang support the construction of a bridge to the island, urging the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to expedite the project. They believe it will reduce inequality, while major investors point out that it will enhance competitiveness and increase tourist numbers.
On September 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM, at the Aiyapura Hotel in Koh Chang District, Trat Province, Mr. Naris Palawong Na Ayudhya, the District Chief of Koh Chang representing the Governor of Trat, along with the EXAT under the Ministry of Transport, held the second public hearing (project orientation) on the feasibility study concerning engineering, economic, financial, and environmental aspects of the special expressway project connecting Koh Chang, Trat Province. The meeting was attended by EXAT Deputy Governor Mr. Katchapajorn Udomthamphakdee, Project Manager Mr. Chanwit Artsomiti, and representatives from six consulting firms. Over 250 people, including government officials, local government organizations, state enterprises, and tourism entrepreneurs from Koh Chang, participated in the meeting to discuss the bridge construction.
After listening to the project orientation by Mr. Chanwit Artsomiti, the consulting firm representative presented the feasibility study of the bridge construction to the meeting. The attendees unanimously agreed on the necessity of the project, regardless of the construction location, as long as it is seriously pursued according to the needs of the residents of Trat and Koh Chang. The residents emphasized that they have long suffered from limited access to education and healthcare compared to mainland Trat residents and urged EXAT to proceed with the project promptly.
Mr. Pornchai Kemmaphanpong, President of the Trat Province Tourism Industry Council and a major entrepreneur in Koh Chang, highlighted the current travel difficulties to Koh Chang, such as traffic congestion in Bangkok and the long wait for the ferry to cross to Koh Chang, which takes 1-2 hours or even longer during festivals. He noted that these issues have caused Koh Chang to miss out on opportunities. Moreover, the private airport on the island has not seen investments to accommodate large commercial flights, and there is no double-track railway. He argued that if a bridge is built, it would significantly enhance business competitiveness, as travel would be possible at any time, thus increasing tourist numbers and business revenue.
Mr. Sarapol Prasat Sin, President of the Trat Province Hotel and Resort Association, expressed that it was beneficial for EXAT to hear the views of Koh Chang and Trat residents regarding the bridge construction. He pointed out that the current ferry service is the only travel option to Koh Chang, and when the number of tourists increases, the long wait for the ferry can harm Koh Chang's tourism image. He added that if the bridge is built, 24-hour access to the island would provide more opportunities for Thai tourists, leading to increased revenue for businesses and more equitable distribution of income across other sectors. Additionally, he emphasized that the bridge would promote equality among Koh Chang and Trat residents by improving travel speed and offering an alternative to the ferry service.
Mr. Saksit Mungkan, an executive of Siam Royal View Group in Koh Chang, revealed that currently, around 800 cars travel to Koh Chang daily, increasing to 1,200 on weekends and even more during long holidays. He estimated that the economic benefits from toll collections by EXAT would quickly cover the investment costs, with additional economic benefits in various dimensions. In 2024, Trat Province's tourism revenue from January to April alone reached 14 billion baht, with an expected rise to 20 billion baht by the end of the year. He argued that if the bridge is built, tourist numbers and revenue could increase significantly, further justifying the construction investment.
Ms. Wipa Sunetra, President of the Trat Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Baan Poo Group of Hotels, shared that the Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for the bridge project for over a decade. She acknowledged the benefits of the bridge for enhancing travel convenience and boosting the local economy. However, she also pointed out that some foreign tourists prefer the ferry ride to Koh Chang, as it offers scenic views, and the journey takes only 30 minutes. She raised concerns about potential traffic and parking issues on Koh Chang during peak tourist seasons, suggesting that these issues should be addressed before the bridge is completed. She also proposed alternative investments, such as improving ferry services or enhancing local healthcare and educational facilities, which might reduce the need for a bridge.
In conclusion, Mr. Katchapajorn Udomthamphakdee summarized the meeting, acknowledging the strong desire of Trat and Koh Chang residents for the bridge's construction. He assured that budget constraints are not an issue, as EXAT has its funds and revenue from toll collections, and proposed incorporating utilities like communication cables, power lines, or water pipes into the bridge design to optimize public utility spending and reduce toll charges.
New 'Double-Track Railway' Route Connecting 3 Eastern Seaports Unveiled
Bangkok Business, May 17, 2025, 6:52 AM
The route of the "double-track railway," an economic line spanning Sriracha Map Ta Phut Rayong - Chanthaburi - Trat, covering a distance of 218 kilometers, will connect three eastern seaboard ports: Laem Chabang Port, Sattahip Port, and Map Ta Phut Port.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is proceeding with the design of the first section, Sriracha Map Ta Phut, and is awaiting EIA approval. Meanwhile, the Rayong Chanthaburi - Trat section is slated for implementation starting in 2028.
The government aims to promote rail transport as the country's primary transportation system due to its low cost, punctuality, and ability to control travel and freight. The Department of Rail Transport has provided the latest information on this economic railway line, which connects three of Thailand's main ports and also passes through the eastern fruit-growing provinces, a significant economic sector for the country.
Pichet Khunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, revealed that the SRT has already begun the preliminary study and detailed design of the new railway line project connecting the country's three main ports, specifically the Sriracha Map Ta Phut Rayong - Chanthaburi Trat section. The initial focus is on the Sriracha Map Ta Phut section; however, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is currently awaiting approval from the Expert Committee for Consideration of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIA Committee).
Regarding the Rayong Chanthaburi - Trat section, the SRT is reportedly about to commence a feasibility study. According to the SRT's latest plan, this section is scheduled to begin implementation in 2028 onwards. Once the design is complete, construction is expected to take approximately four years. The goal is to develop this railway network into a vital artery for the eastern region.
Furthermore, it will connect the transportation of goods between three ports: Laem Chabang Port, Sattahip Port, and Map Ta Phut Port. Laem Chabang Port, in particular, serves as the country's main gateway for freight transport and will create opportunities for the transportation of agricultural products, especially fruits from the eastern region.
News reports from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) indicate that the development plan for the new railway line in the eastern region previously studied covers the Sriracha - Map Ta Phut Rayong - Chanthaburi Trat route, spanning 218 kilometers. The route is divided into three sections:
**Section 1:** Connecting industrial estates, starting from the Sriracha Junction Station to the Map Ta Phut Station, and from the Bang Lamung Station to the Map Ta Phut Station. This section will link ten industrial estates: Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Pinthong Industrial Estate 1-3, Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate, Rojana Bo Win Industrial Estate, WHA Industrial Estate, Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate, Hemaraj Industrial Estate, and Hemaraj Rayong Industrial Estate.
**Section 2:** Connecting industrial estates to Mueang Rayong District, starting from the Map Ta Phut Station to Mueang Rayong District.
**Section 3:** Connecting the Eastern Fruit Corridor and tourism, starting from Mueang Rayong District to Khlong Yai District, Trat Province, and ending at the Khlong Yai District Customs Office in Trat Province, which connects freight transport to Cambodia.
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