Phetchaburi: The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources recently conducted inspections of the coastal roads in Phetchaburi Province, focusing on the development and improvement of the road network along the southern coast, known as the Thailand Riviera. The intent is to bolster the tourism economy and enhance secondary roads to meet international standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Montree Dechasakulsom, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, along with Mr. Yongyut Pengmuang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads (Operations), and their team, evaluated the Southern Coastal Road Network (Thailand Riviera) in Phetchaburi Province. The project, approved by the Cabinet, aims to create sustainable coastal roads along the western Gulf of Thailand to enhance tourism, improve public and tourist travel safety, and address traffic issues. The construction of this network began in the fiscal year 2009 and continues to progress.
The Thailand Riviera project spans several provinces from Samut Prakan to Narathiwat, divided into four phases covering a total of 950 kilometers. Phase 1, covering Samut Sakhon to Chumphon, is completed with a budget of 2,549 million baht. Phase 2, stretching from Chumphon to Songkhla, is in the preparatory stages with construction expected to commence in 2027. Phase 3, between Samut Prakan and Samut Songkhram, involves significant road and bridge improvements with a budget of 4,275 million baht. Phase 4, which includes the section from Songkhla to Narathiwat, is currently under feasibility study with completion expected by fiscal year 2026.
The Director-General highlighted the importance of the Thailand Riviera as a key tourist route along the Andaman coast, involving six provinces. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, in collaboration with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, is conducting a preliminary feasibility study for this coastal route project on the Andaman coast.