15 Billion Expressway Project to Connect Koh Chang Boosting Trat’s Economy and Tourism

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A new expressway linking the mainland to Koh Chang is set to be constructed with a budget of THB 15 billion, aiming to significantly enhance the economy and tourism in Trat province. The project, announced on 5 April, is currently in the second phase of public consultation, with the final route selection based on engineering, financial, and environmental factors.

 

Kajphoj Udonthamphakdee, Deputy Governor of the Strategic and Planning Division at the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), explained that the public consultation sessions are designed to allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the most suitable route options for the project. This stage follows detailed studies on the engineering feasibility, economic impacts, and potential environmental effects.

 

 

The route selection process has identified three primary factors: engineering and traffic, economic investment, and environmental impact. These criteria will help to compare and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed route. The option with the highest overall score will be the one taken forward for detailed design and construction.

The project will offer two preliminary designs: the first involves a four-lane expressway with concrete barriers separating traffic in each direction. Each lane will have a width of 3.5 meters, with additional shoulder space on both sides of the road. The second design option includes a bridge spanning the sea, with two main sections. One design would feature a bridge with a span of approximately 200 meters to accommodate large vessels passing beneath, while the second would have a span of 50-60 meters for smaller vessels.

 

Construction of the expressway, which will cost an estimated THB 13 billion, alongside land acquisition costs of THB 2 billion, is expected to begin in 2029 and open for service by 2032. This project is expected to improve accessibility to Koh Chang, facilitating travel for both locals and tourists, and boosting the province’s tourism industry.

 

 

-- 2025-04-06

 

[MangoKorat]

Unlikely in our lifetime. M6 still not open - 6 years late in September.

[blaze master]

If it happens. Bye bye koh chang. 

[Tropicalevo]

The outside shoulder space needs to be wider to accommodate breakdowns.

[MikeandDow]

What a joke !!  who are they going to get to build this the chinese !!

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

Hope they keep the ferry running because that's a bridge too far for me 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

Its a smart move and a natural process in the development of a country / area.

 

This effectively knocks an hour or more off the Journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang.

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

 

The wait for the ferry at key periods - longs weekends etc is a key decision making factor for us (our family) in going to Koh Chang or not, we don't want to wait 1-2 hrs for the ferry - as it adds too much to the journey. 

 

I'm sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

 

 

"Bye bye Koh-Chang" as one poster put it - This certainly would change the character of the island, but, not everywhere can remain the same, development and growth is natural everywhere as the world gets smaller...

 

... and, as the world gets smaller it opens up greater access to further Islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak etc... which again, some people won't like... 

 

... then again, we'll always have the people who comment "Pattaya was a nice fishing village 50 years ago"..... or "Phi Phi was once a paradise until mass tourism"...   Their comments won't matter in the slightest in 30 years time...  everywhere grows and develops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ben Zioner]

35 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

Doubt that with that stupid bridge you're gonna spend three hours a day in traffic jams and finding parking space. Those who know the island will understand.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Ben Zioner said:

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

Doubt that with that stupid bridge you're gonna spend three hours a day in traffic jams and finding parking space. Those who know the island will understand.

 

Best if you read the whole comment... 

 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, thus the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

 

[bkk6060]

Hope it's earthquake proof.

[Ben Zioner]

7 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Best if you read the whole comment... 

 

 

Ok, let's build a motorway between Kae Bai and Bang Boa. Oh yes, also a giant brothel in Salak Phet. 

 

Modernise the ferry service, develop car parks on the mainland, and offer an EV rental service on the island, would be immensely more consistent with  the geography and the culture of the KC.

[KhunBENQ]

9 hours ago, blaze master said:

If it happens. Bye bye koh chang. 

Their greed is insatiable. Destroy and flood with mass tourism.

First a bridge to Ko Samui, welcome to one day package tourists, stinky buses clogging the roads.

And now that.

I also hope it will not be in my lifetime.

[KhunBENQ]

10 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

M6 still not open - 6 years late in September.

A prime example. Thousands of tons of concrete elevated road unused since years.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Ben Zioner said:

Ok, let's build a motorway between Kae Bai and Bang Boa. Oh yes, also a giant brothel in Salak Phet. 

 

Modernise the ferry service, develop car parks on the mainland, and offer an EV rental service on the island, would be immensely more consistent with  the geography and the culture of the KC.

That, I think is an excellent idea…

 

I completely agree… 

 

 

I’ve been to KC numerous times, but for longer trips - even this week we’re away elsewhere because we don’t fancy the unpredictably of long weekend traffic - Any measures to ‘ease’ the traffic & congestion on & getting to the island is always a positive.

 

 

 

 

[blaze master]

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Its a smart move and a natural process in the development of a country / area.

 

This effectively knocks an hour or more off the Journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang.

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

 

The wait for the ferry at key periods - longs weekends etc is a key decision making factor for us (our family) in going to Koh Chang or not, we don't want to wait 1-2 hrs for the ferry - as it adds too much to the journey. 

 

I'm sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

 

 

"Bye bye Koh-Chang" as one poster put it - This certainly would change the character of the island, but, not everywhere can remain the same, development and growth is natural everywhere as the world gets smaller...

 

... and, as the world gets smaller it opens up greater access to further Islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak etc... which again, some people won't like... 

 

... then again, we'll always have the people who comment "Pattaya was a nice fishing village 50 years ago"..... or "Phi Phi was once a paradise until mass tourism"...   Their comments won't matter in the slightest in 30 years time...  everywhere grows and develops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoot koh mak doesn't even have a 7. I'm sure the 5 families will control that island for a while yet. 

 

Koh chang will get very small after this. 

[MangoKorat]

12 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

m sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

One of the main reasons many go to Koh Chang is because its not over-developed. If this happens, and I very much doubt it will, its at least 20 years away and it will wreck Koh Chang.

 

I've been many times and I can honestly say that I've never had more than a 30 miniute wait for a ferry - maybe I've been lucky but I do try to avoid busy periods - the hotels are cheaper too.  After a long drive down, to be honest, a rest is welcome. The ferry companies usually put extra boats on at peak times.

[MangoKorat]

9 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

A prime example. Thousands of tons of concrete elevated road unused since years.

Don't forget the lights that they left on on the elevated section near Lam Takhong for around 2 years.

 

Lasy week I used the open section between Pak Chong and the 201 exit - no lights 555

[cranki]

10 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

A prime example. Thousands of tons of concrete elevated road unused since years.

 

21 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

Unlikely in our lifetime. M6 still not open - 6 years late in September.

 I used a "partial" section of the M6 2 weeks ago, approx 100km, Korat to Pak Chong/Sikhio.....now just need to get it finished to bypass that <deleted>e traffic at Saraburi to Bang Pa-in !!!

[Andycoops]

On 4/6/2025 at 3:28 PM, richard_smith237 said:

That, I think is an excellent idea…

 

I completely agree… 

 

 

I’ve been to KC numerous times, but for longer trips - even this week we’re away elsewhere because we don’t fancy the unpredictably of long weekend traffic - Any measures to ‘ease’ the traffic & congestion on & getting to the island is always a positive.

 

 

 

 

Easy to avoid don't travel at the weekend then...

[hotchilli]

On 4/6/2025 at 10:57 AM, MikeandDow said:

What a joke !!  who are they going to get to build this the chinese !!

They have a history of building bridges that seem to fail..

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

This is a terrible idea, leave Koh Chang as it is; although it is, I believe, the third largest island in Thailand, almost 70% of it is mountains and rain forests. The island does not have the infrastructure to cope with a huge increase in visitors, nor does it have, because of the terrain, the potential to expand accommodation by much, just to please weekend visitors from Bangkok.

 

Long live the ferry.

 

 

[rwill]

On 4/6/2025 at 8:52 AM, Tropicalevo said:

The outside shoulder space needs to be wider to accommodate breakdowns.

They will be used as extra lanes during heavy traffic.

[ujayujay]

Perfect, make Koh Chang to a no go Place like Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya....go on👍

[MangoKorat]

On 4/6/2025 at 7:18 PM, cranki said:

I used a "partial" section of the M6 2 weeks ago, approx 100km, Korat to Pak Chong/Sikhio.....now just need to get it finished to bypass that <deleted>e traffic at Saraburi to Bang Pa-in !!

Yes, I use that section regularly when I'm in country - can I ask you what you think about it being built with just 2 lanes on each side?  I think that they have made a mistake doing that - its already difficult to overtake when its busy - much will depend on what the toll charges are when they introduce them.

 

Another problem that will crop up when the cameras are installed, is the speed limit.  On much of the old road (Highway 2), the limit is 120kph - the M6 limit is 80kph (50mph).  If the cameras work that will put many off using the road - 50mph is way too slow for a motorway.

[alex8912]

On 4/6/2025 at 11:17 AM, richard_smith237 said:

Its a smart move and a natural process in the development of a country / area.

 

This effectively knocks an hour or more off the Journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang.

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

 

The wait for the ferry at key periods - longs weekends etc is a key decision making factor for us (our family) in going to Koh Chang or not, we don't want to wait 1-2 hrs for the ferry - as it adds too much to the journey. 

 

I'm sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

 

 

"Bye bye Koh-Chang" as one poster put it - This certainly would change the character of the island, but, not everywhere can remain the same, development and growth is natural everywhere as the world gets smaller...

 

... and, as the world gets smaller it opens up greater access to further Islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak etc... which again, some people won't like... 

 

... then again, we'll always have the people who comment "Pattaya was a nice fishing village 50 years ago"..... or "Phi Phi was once a paradise until mass tourism"...   Their comments won't matter in the slightest in 30 years time...  everywhere grows and develops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're way off on this one.  Waaaaay off. 

[richard_smith237]

7 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

You're way off on this one.  Waaaaay off. 

In your opinion (and that of some others).

 

Clearly ‘access’ needs improvement, I like the suggestions made by Ben Zioner (earlier on in the thread).

 

IF Koh Chang plans to welcome more tourists, infrastructure need development.

- Will that change the character of the island ? Of course it will, but that’s happening anyway & without further improvement to infrastructure the island will suffer further increased congestion both on the island & getting to it.

 

That may not be popular for some, even many who ‘like it the way it is’ - but that’s just the issue with development - some don’t like it.

 

The aim of the authorities in this matter is to increase tourism revenue & that requires improved infrastructure - there is no other way around it.

 

Maybe the bridge is not a great idea without improving roads & parking on the island. Maybe public funds are better directed towards improving the on island roads & parking…

 

Nevertheless development is unstoppable - like it or not.

 

Will it turn into another Phuket ??

That can be controlled, by policing of course.

 

 

[Yagoda]

Its their country and they should develop as they wish. I would prefer to concentrate my bitching on the garbage everywhere and the air.

[richard_smith237]

On 4/8/2025 at 8:12 AM, Andycoops said:

Easy to avoid don't travel at the weekend then...

Easy to avoid - go elsewhere !! 
 

And that’s kind of the point - The area wants to increase its tourism revenue by attracting more tourist, whether we like it or not.

 

 

On 4/6/2025 at 11:59 PM, MangoKorat said:

One of the main reasons many go to Koh Chang is because its not over-developed. If this happens, and I very much doubt it will, its at least 20 years away and it will wreck Koh Chang.

 

I've been many times and I can honestly say that I've never had more than a 30 miniute wait for a ferry - maybe I've been lucky but I do try to avoid busy periods - the hotels are cheaper too.  After a long drive down, to be honest, a rest is welcome. The ferry companies usually put extra boats on at peak times.

 

There are ‘other islands’ that are under developed - those who prefer such ‘vibes’ will naturally move ‘further’ as that access improves…

 

i.e. koh Kood etc…better access to Koh Chang means better access to further islands. 
 

As pointed out - nothing is likely to be improved in the next 20 years, the Koh Chang bridge has already been a discussion for over a decade…

 

But the island is already undergoing development & the ‘over development’ is already in progress, albeit slowly… that can’t be stopped, but it can be managed.

Improving all infrastructure could see improved panned development down the line, rather than haphazard growth, congestion etc….  

… careful planning & development is better than letting this take place naturally - which is where all the problems start (have started).

 

(I’ve had 2 hrs waits for the ferry on both sides, I’ve also often been luck with a 20min waits) - I’m sure the long ferry queues will be in the news in the next few weeks…

 

 

[geisha]

On 4/6/2025 at 5:17 AM, richard_smith237 said:

Its a smart move and a natural process in the development of a country / area.

 

This effectively knocks an hour or more off the Journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang.

 

Turning what can be 6 hour car journey unto a 4.5 hour car journey.

 

The wait for the ferry at key periods - longs weekends etc is a key decision making factor for us (our family) in going to Koh Chang or not, we don't want to wait 1-2 hrs for the ferry - as it adds too much to the journey. 

 

I'm sure many others are making similar decisions - from an economics point of view this infrastructure development potentially provides a massive longe term economic boost the local economy of Koh Chang - although, there needs to be improvement in local infrastructure if the Island is to welcome more traffic as an express way onto 'narrow single lane roads' is going to cause gridlock on the Island, this the main road infrastructure also needs major development.

 

 

"Bye bye Koh-Chang" as one poster put it - This certainly would change the character of the island, but, not everywhere can remain the same, development and growth is natural everywhere as the world gets smaller...

 

... and, as the world gets smaller it opens up greater access to further Islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak etc... which again, some people won't like... 

 

... then again, we'll always have the people who comment "Pattaya was a nice fishing village 50 years ago"..... or "Phi Phi was once a paradise until mass tourism"...   Their comments won't matter in the slightest in 30 years time...  everywhere grows and develops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Richard, for once I don’t agree with you. I’ve been going to KC for 20 years.Now it is over crowded and hotel prices have sky rocketed. There is only one road on the island which is very dangerous when it rains, especially for idiots on a rented bike. The beauty of the island is being plundered. 
After a bridge, what will come next ? Chop down the trees in the national park and build condos and even more hôtels Turn  it into another awful Koh Samui? Crowds, pollution, bars , hiked prices, leave it alone. Please.

[geisha]

6 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Easy to avoid - go elsewhere !! 
 

And that’s kind of the point - The area wants to increase its tourism revenue by attracting more tourist, whether we like it or not.

 

 

 

There are ‘other islands’ that are under developed - those who prefer such ‘vibes’ will naturally move ‘further’ as that access improves…

 

i.e. koh Kood etc…better access to Koh Chang means better access to further islands. 
 

As pointed out - nothing is likely to be improved in the next 20 years, the Koh Chang bridge has already been a discussion for over a decade…

 

But the island is already undergoing development & the ‘over development’ is already in progress, albeit slowly… that can’t be stopped, but it can be managed.

Improving all infrastructure could see improved panned development down the line, rather than haphazard growth, congestion etc….  

… careful planning & development is better than letting this take place naturally - which is where all the problems start (have started).

 

(I’ve had 2 hrs waits for the ferry on both sides, I’ve also often been luck with a 20min waits) - I’m sure the long ferry queues will be in the news in the next few weeks…

 

 

They need another ferry or two. I would think that’s enough.