Thailand’s Department of Rural Roads has postponed the bidding process for two major southern bridge construction projects worth a combined 6.695 billion baht, awaiting approval from the World Bank on the terms of reference (TOR) for the initiatives. The funding arrangement includes a loan component of 4.55 billion baht from the World Bank, covering 70 percent of construction costs.
The first project involves a 4.841-billion-baht bridge crossing Songkhla Lake, linking Krasae Sin District in Songkhla Province with Khao Chaison District in Phatthalung Province. Of the total budget, 4.7 billion baht is allocated for construction, with an additional 141 million baht for project supervision.
The second project aims to connect Koh Klang and Koh Lanta Noi in Krabi Province via a 1.854-billion-baht bridge, with 1.8 billion baht designated for construction and 54 million baht for oversight. Combined, the two projects are valued at 6.695 billion baht. Proposals were submitted to the World Bank in early March 2025. Pending comments and suggestions from the bank, the TOR will be revised accordingly and published for public feedback in accordance with international procurement procedures.
According to Thailand’s Public Debt Management Office, 70 percent of the construction costs—equivalent to 4.55 billion baht—will be financed by the World Bank loan, with the remaining 30 percent covered by the national budget over the 2025–2028 fiscal years. The original timeline aimed for contractors to be selected by the end of July 2025 and construction to begin immediately thereafter, with an estimated three-year completion period ending in 2029. However, this timeline has now been slightly extended by about one month to allow signing with selected contractors by August 2025.
Both projects received cabinet-level approval in principle on 18 October 2022. Former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob presided over a foundation stone-laying ceremony on 22 March 2022. Initial plans aimed for construction to start in 2023 with operations commencing in 2026.
The Songkhla Lake Bridge, which spans 7 kilometers and includes two traffic lanes, will incorporate local Norah (Manorah) artistic motifs in its design. It is expected to reduce travel between the two districts from 80 kilometers and two hours to just 7 kilometers and 10 to 15 minutes.
The Koh Lanta bridge, measuring 1,825 meters with two traffic lanes, is projected to cut crossing times to 10 minutes and provide round-the-clock access, eliminating reliance on ferry services.
