A proposal for a major bridge project has been put forward in southern Thailand. The suggestion is for a bridge measuring some 18km to connect Koh Samui Island with the mainland. The bridge would help improve transport in the area, which is popular with tourists. At present visitors to Koh Samui Island have to use the ferry service. This is a key factor given the massive importance of tourism for Thailand’s economy.
The proposed bridge would be a cable stayed design featuring two lanes in either direction. Constructing the link would cost in the region of US$1.37 billion according to estimates, so sourcing the necessary financing will prove a challenge however.
