20/09/2025
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has confirmed plans to build Thailand’s first cross-sea suspension bridge linking Koh Samui, with an estimated investment of 55 billion baht.
Governor Surachet Laophulsuk said the 37.4km expressway will undergo its third public hearing in late 2025, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) expected to be completed in early 2026.
The project will then be submitted for Cabinet approval by late 2026, paving the way for construction to begin in 2032 and operations in 2037.
The expressway is forecast to serve 7,000–8,000 vehicles per day, reducing travel time from up to three hours by ferry to just 15–20 minutes.
EXAT estimates the project could generate over 400 billion baht in economic value within 30 years, supporting Samui’s position as Thailand’s second most popular tourist destination after Phuket.
The design will follow international safety standards, capable of withstanding strong earthquakes and storms, with a 300-metre span and 50-metre clearance for naval and relief vessels.
The project will adopt a public–private partnership (PPP) model, with utilities agencies expected to co-invest, using the bridge for water pipelines, electricity, and telecoms infrastructure.
Surachet said the bridge would not only boost tourism but also improve local healthcare access, emergency response, and long-term regional investment.
credit : The Nation Thailand
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has confirmed plans to build Thailand’s first cross-sea suspension bridge linking Koh Samui, with an estimated investment of 55 billion baht.
Governor Surachet Laophulsuk said the 37.4km expressway will undergo its third public hearing in late 2025, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) expected to be completed in early 2026.
The project will then be submitted for Cabinet approval by late 2026, paving the way for construction to begin in 2032 and operations in 2037.
The expressway is forecast to serve 7,000–8,000 vehicles per day, reducing travel time from up to three hours by ferry to just 15–20 minutes.
EXAT estimates the project could generate over 400 billion baht in economic value within 30 years, supporting Samui’s position as Thailand’s second most popular tourist destination after Phuket.
The design will follow international safety standards, capable of withstanding strong earthquakes and storms, with a 300-metre span and 50-metre clearance for naval and relief vessels.
The project will adopt a public–private partnership (PPP) model, with utilities agencies expected to co-invest, using the bridge for water pipelines, electricity, and telecoms infrastructure.
Surachet said the bridge would not only boost tourism but also improve local healthcare access, emergency response, and long-term regional investment.
