Krabi Officials Launch Highway 4206 Four-Lane Upgrade Study

Krabi Province has formally launched a feasibility and design consultation for the expansion of Highway 4206 into a full four-lane route, marking a key step in preparations for the planned Ko Lanta bridge connection. The initiative was presented on 18 May 2026 at Wang Khok Sung Homestay in Ko Lanta District, Krabi, and brought together government agencies, state enterprises, local administrations, private organisations and members of the public.

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The opening seminar, chaired by Krabi Deputy Governor Winit Thiangthai, marked the first stakeholder meeting for the project consultancy study. The scheme covers a strategic 26.184-kilometre section of Highway 4206, from Huai Nam Khao Subdistrict in Khlong Thom District (km 0+910) to Ban Hua Hin Pier in Ko Lanta District (km 27+094), passing through Khlong Krad, Khlong Nam Daeng, agricultural zones, schools, communities, forest reserve areas and key local junctions.

The Department of Highways, through its Design and Survey Bureau, has appointed a consortium of consultants comprising Dao Ruek Communications Co Ltd, Professional Engineering Solution (PES) Co Ltd, and Trans Asia Consultant Co Ltd. The consultancy contract runs for 450 days and includes engineering surveys, environmental assessment, and public participation processes to determine the most suitable upgrade design options.

At present, Highway 4206 varies between two and four lanes, with several bottlenecks. There are many non-urban sections where no central median exists. Urban stretches already feature four lanes with raised medians, but capacity constraints remain a concern given expected traffic growth linked to tourism development and the future Ko Lanta bridge project.

Officials described the route as a key strategic corridor connecting Krabi city and Krabi International Airport with southern Andaman tourism destinations. The proposed upgrade aims to improve safety, traffic flow and long-term economic development across the region, particularly in anticipation of increased visitor numbers once the bridge project is completed.

The consultants will analyse engineering constraints, environmental limitations and climate and safety risks to produce full four-lane design alternatives. These options will be presented for public consideration in the next consultation phase, with authorities confirming that all feedback will be incorporated into the final design blueprint.

Naewna reported that the Department of Highways will continue collecting stakeholder input and will publish ongoing project updates through official online channels as the study progresses.

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 19 May 2026