PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 03: 30
Residents and business operators in Trat area have slammed the proposed 5.9-kilometre road connecting Laem Ngob area to Koh Chang, arguing that the new road, which bypasses the capital, will hurt the local economy.
The next common reading for the road task was held on Wednesday at Trat City Hotel in Muang area. The hearing was presided over by Trat deputy governor Damrongsak Yodtongdee and Expressway Authority of Thailand ( Exat ) deputy governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee.
Over 400 individuals, including government leaders, private-sector staff and local inhabitants, attended the meeting.
Recently, a similar hearing was held in Koh Chang region, where local people supported the development in the Ban Dan Kao group in tambon Koh Chang. The initiative, led by project director Chanwit Artsamiti, is backed by five consulting businesses.
At the latest reading, a video presentation recognized past comments and findings from architecture, economic and environmental effect studies. The meeting decided that the expressway’s way may start near the bridge wharf at Ao Thammachat in tambon Khlong Yai of Laem Ngop area. The road had extend at least 5.9km, include four visitors roads and get four years to complete. Its development cost is estimated at 10 billion ringgit. The last request for the project is expected by late 2025, after the last people hearing is held. According to reports, the selected road did move north along Rural Highway No. 4066, mix agricultural land, go through southern waters and link to Koh Chang via the Ban Dan Mai area.
However, many individuals, including local officials and people, along with members of media sources, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Association of Domestic Travel ( ADT), the Trat Chamber of Commerce and the Fisheries Association of Trat, voiced problems.
They opposed the expressway’s starting point at Ao Thammachat, arguing it would bypass Trat city, depriving it of economic benefits. With most of the 2.2 million annual tourists heading to islands like Koh Chang or Koh Kood, the city would lose potential income, while nearby Chanthaburi province might gain the benefits instead.
Mr Katpachon acknowledged that while the route is more cost-effective, other proposed routes favoured by locals could cost nearly twice as much.