Exat pushes Samui expressway plan

Hopes for big boost to regional economy

- SUPOJ WANCHAROEN

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) is pushing forward with its plan to build a 55-billion-baht expressway connecting the resort island of Koh Samui to the mainland, which it hopes will boost connectivity and economic activity in the region.

During a recent visit to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani to assess the proposed route, Exat governor, Surachet Laophulsuk, said the project's feasibility study is about 89.5% completed.

The third round of public hearings will take place in November or December, and the result of the feasibility study is expected sometime in early 2026, he said.