Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on 31 August 2026 witnessed the signing of construction contracts for two major bridge projects in southern Thailand, which will help strengthen logistics, trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The signing ceremony took place in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Mr. Stephen N Ndegwa, incoming World Bank country director for Thailand and Myanmar. The contracts were signed by Mr. Phichit Hunsiri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, and representatives of the CMC Joint Venture and Malaysian company CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd.

The first project, Songkhla Lake Bridge, will connect Krasae Sin District in Songkhla with Khao Chaison District in Phatthalung. The second project, Ko Lanta Bridge, will connect Ko Klang - Ko Lanta Noi subdistricts in Ko Lanta District, Krabi Province, with the mainland.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Anutin cited the two projects as "Bridges of Opportunity,” which will improve the people’s quality of life, reduce travel distance and time, promote tourism, and distribute income to local communities. 

He stated that these projects will advance alongside sustainable environmental conservation, as both project sites are highly sensitive and ecologically valuable. In particular, Songkhla Lake is a crucial habitat for the protected Irrawaddy dolphin, making it one of the country's most vital natural resources.

The Prime Minister also said that the two projects would play a vital role in developing southern transport networks, under the concept of “Green Transport,” focusing on balanced and sustainable development. The Government is ready to support these projects that will develop Thailand as a central hub of ASEAN, strengthening regional stability and cooperation, as well.