The Ministry of Transport is exploring the possibility of building a rail route connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Coast.
Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Cheewapruek and his delegates have visited Phang Nga Province to survey a site for the construction of railways on Surat Thani – Phang Nga and Phang Nga – Phuket routes.
The Ministry of Transport earlier conducted a feasibility study of the Surat Thani – Phang Nga route and is preparing to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment report which will be submitted to the cabinet for approval. The private sector has been assigned to calculate the payback period.
According to Mr. Omsin, the new railway project will make trips between the Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand much easier, thus benefiting tourism, transport and trade in the South.
Meanwhile, tourism-related agencies in Phang Nga have proposed that a commercial airport be built in the province to cope with a growing number of tourists and to ease the congestion at Phuket Airport.
