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.
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.
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