Samui island expressway project to cost THB 74 billion with toll fees set for 2034
The Samui island expressway project, worth THB 74 billion, will connect Surat Thani to Koh Samui. Land acquisition will affect 277 plots, and toll fees will be introduced by 2034. The project is expected to be completed by late 2033.
On February 13, 2026, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) held its third public consultation regarding the Samui Island Expressway project. The project, estimated at THB 74.044 billion, includes THB 1.628 billion for land acquisition, THB 63.275 billion for construction, THB 1.582 billion for construction supervision, and THB 7.559 billion for operational and maintenance costs.
The study and design of the project are expected to be completed by 2023-2026, with the plan to present it for approval to the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet by 2026-2027. Land acquisition is scheduled for 2028-2029, with construction expected to begin in 2029 and the expressway to be open for service by the end of 2033.
Project Route and Design
The project will begin at Km 14+500 on Highway 4142 in Don Sak District, Surat Thani, passing through Khuan Thong and Thong Nian Subdistricts in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The route will end at Km 9+000 on Highway 4170 in Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, covering a total distance of 37.41 kilometres.
The expressway will consist of four lanes with a fenced barrier along both sides of the route for safety. It will also feature service roads to provide convenience for travellers, with a 70-metre-wide construction zone designated for the expressway.
Land Acquisition and Compensation
The project will require the acquisition of 277 private land plots, with 45 buildings needing to be relocated within Don Sak District. Additionally, 55 plots of land will be acquired, and 9 buildings will be dismantled for construction.
Toll Fees
The expressway will have a toll booth located at Km 8+500. The toll rates, which will be reviewed every five years, are set as follows:
- Cars (4-wheel vehicles): THB 1,000 per vehicle
- 6-10 wheel vehicles: THB 2,000 per vehicle
- Vehicles over 10 wheels: THB 3,000 per vehicle
In addition to the tolls, there will be a control centre (CCB), emergency and maintenance buildings, and rest areas along the route to ensure convenience for travellers in both directions to and from Koh Samui.
