The development team say the monorail route will be 60kms long and connect Chalong, the main intercity bus station, Phuket Old Town and Phuket Airport and have a total of 20 stations. An initial assessment of the costs involved puts construction and the purchase of infrastructure at well over THB20 billion.
Mr Thongkhamkoon says there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to transport options for tourists and residents alike. He explained that many people use cars or motorcycles to get themselves from A to B.
The principal mode of public transport is the ubiquitous Thai songthaew. These are converted pickup trucks with a covered roof and two bench seats. Most residents say that while these are cheap they lack comfort.
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Phuket to expedite monorail feasibility study
News in Asia
The provincial transport division on the southern island of Phuket is in the process of expediting a feasibility study for a monorail service. Chaiwat Thongkhamkoon, a senior manager with the department, said the assessment is just about finished and will be delivered to the Thai Transport Ministry over the next month or so.