Thailand has successfully completed an 8.5-kilometer upgrade of Highway 4, also known as Phetkasem Road, in Phang Nga, enhancing a vital transport route along the Andaman coast from two lanes to four.
Located between Ban Tam Nang and the Khok Khian Intersection in Takua Pa district, this expansion was carried out by the Department of Highways with a budget exceeding 648 million baht. The newly widened roadway now features two lanes in each direction, separated by a concrete median barrier, as well as new asphalt surfaces, broader shoulders, improved lighting, and enhanced warning signals for better visibility and safety at night.
Officials have emphasized that this highway serves as a crucial transport corridor for southern Thailand, facilitating agricultural and industrial logistics, interprovincial travel, and tourism links between prominent destinations like Phuket, Ranong, and Chumphon.
In recent years, the region has witnessed significant economic and tourism growth, resulting in increased traffic and greater demands on transport infrastructure. The expansion is expected to decrease travel times, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, and improve access to major tourist attractions in Phang Nga and the broader Andaman area.
Moreover, the project addresses longstanding flooding issues by incorporating upgraded drainage systems along the route. Authorities anticipate that the completed highway expansion will significantly contribute to future economic development, investment, and tourism in Thailand’s southern Andaman corridor.
According to officials, the 648-million-baht initiative is set to bolster tourism, improve logistics, enhance road safety, and mitigate flooding in the vicinity.
Source: Pattaya Mail
