Songkhla: Interior Minister 4 visited the area before the Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to support the feasibility study for a road project connecting Phatthalung and Satun. This initiative aims to enhance the transportation and logistics network between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, reduce travel distances, facilitate convenience, and boost the economy of the southern region.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited the area to follow up on the feasibility study project. The proposed road network aims to connect Pa Bon District, Phatthalung Province, with Manang District, Satun Province. Accompanying Mr. Worasit were Mr. Kanit Kongchuey, Governor of Satun Province; Mr. Athit Wongmusik, District Chief of Manang; Mr. Samrit Liengprasit, President of the Satun Provincial Administrative Organization; along with heads of government departments, local government officials, Members of Parliament, and other relevant officials. The visit took place at Tham Phu Pha Phet, Palm Pattana Subdistrict, Manang District, Satun Province.
Mr. Worasit stated that the site visit focused on developing a transportation network that connects the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, starting from Phatthalung Province to Satun Province. The current route between these provinces is circuitous, spanning 145 to 243 kilometers and taking 2 to 4 hours to travel. The new road network aims to shorten the distance to approximately 40 kilometers and reduce travel time to just 1 hour, alleviating transportation difficulties and reducing costs for local people.
Since the area bordering Satun and Phatthalung provinces is part of the Banthat Mountain Range National Forest Reserve, permission and feasibility studies must be conducted in accordance with procedures set by the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Satun province, in collaboration with the Satun Rural Roads Department, has allocated a budget for a feasibility study of a connecting road network totaling approximately 21.3 kilometers. This includes surveying a 7.6-kilometer route between Satun and Phatthalung and a 6.3-kilometer road within the Pa Bon Reservoir project in Phatthalung province. The study has a timeframe of 270 days, commencing on August 10, 2026, and concluding on May 6, 2027.
"This project originated from the local people who needed convenient transportation, while simultaneously considering nature and the environment. This required discussion, consultation, and collaborative problem-solving, with public participation in providing input and involvement. Importantly, the local people are the 'owners' of the area; we must listen to their needs. This project focuses on developing a comprehensive transportation network, improving the efficiency of logistics and goods transportation, and supporting economic growth, trade, tourism, and investment in the lower southern region, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the people," said Mr. Worasit.