Wildlife Sanctuary Road Project to Transform by 2027

File photo for reference only

In the heart of Kanchanaburi province, a crucial road project through the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is taking shape, promising to transform local infrastructure by 2027.

The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) is spearheading this ambitious initiative, which is currently 15% complete. Situated in the Sangkhla Buri district, the project aims to provide year-round access to regions historically hindered by seasonal weather conditions.

Director-General Montree Dechasakulsom emphasised the project's potential to uplift local communities, aligning with the Phubodin Foundation under Royal Patronage. The foundation aims to enhance transport and elevate the living standards of those residing in the area.

This road is more than just a passage through the sanctuary; it’s part of a commitment to sustainable community development in forested and protected areas of Kanchanaburi. Under the royal vision of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, it builds upon the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Today, villagers navigate unpaved dirt paths that flood and erode during the rainy season. Such conditions have made it difficult for residents to transport agricultural products or access essential services like hospitals and schools.

The new road will be an all-weather route, serving four villages and connecting vital facilities including Ban Sala Wa School, Ban Thilaypa, the Thilaypa Border Patrol Police School, and the Thilaypa Ranger Station. It’s designed to also bolster tourism, safety, and the agricultural economy in the region.

Spanning 21 square kilometres, the construction aims to radically improve connectivity, supporting both daily commutes and emergency transport. The budget for this development is set at 64.97 million Baht (approximately £1.46 million), highlighting a significant investment in local infrastructure.

By enhancing accessibility and reliability, this project is expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits, fostering growth, opportunity, and convenience for a region often isolated by its geographical challenges.

The completion of this road in 2027 will be a milestone for Kanchanaburi, symbolising a new era of development while preserving the delicate balance between progress and ecological conservation. As the wheels of progress turn, the promise of a better-connected future for these communities becomes increasingly tangible.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-04