Listen to this articleDeputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has voiced opposition to the proposed Phuket mass transit project, commonly known as the Phuket tram or light rail system, arguing it would deliver limited benefits while worsening congestion and imposing high costs. Speaking about transport development in Phuket, Mr Phiphat said he disagrees with the project proposed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which plans to use the median of main roads for construction. He added that ridership is likely to be low, as most visitors from other provinces tend to drive when travelling around Phuket. Designating dedicated bus lanes, he said, would be more beneficial and effective in easing Phuket's chronic congestion. The Phuket tram project, Phase 1, has an estimated investment value of about 35–35.2 billion baht.

Source: Bangkok Post January 09, 2026 04:50 UTC