Surat Thani: Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Monday described the proposed Kapoe-Chaiya road link as a "new economic route" during a visit to review a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project.
The road, linking Kapoe district in Ranong with Chaiya district in Surat Thani, would unlock the South's logistics potential by improving transport efficiency while giving tourism a major boost, he said.
It would make it easier for travellers from Ranong's Andaman coast to reach world-renowned destinations such as Koh Samui, helping attract significant tourism revenue, he added.
The project involves upgrading existing roads and building new sections over a total of 47.28km, expected to cut travel distances by more than 70km and trim journey times from about two-and-a-half hours to about one hour and 45 minutes.
The road will also be integrated with three related projects run by the Department of Highways, all progressing alongside feasibility and environmental studies, he said.
Klahan Tharaksa, director of the Department of Rural Roads' (DRR) Office 11, said the project was part of efforts to support the Southern Economic Corridor.
The DRR had carried out engineering, economic, social and environmental studies and prepared the EIA report in line with legal requirements and relevant standards, he said.
The route begins at Rural Road RN1039 in Kapoe, connects with RN4022 and newly planned sections, and ends near the Hin Dan Sattha Tham monastic centre in Chaiya, covering about 47km.
