Journalists from Thai Press Association have criticized the 128-km Laem Phak Bia Project with a price tag of 56.816 billion baht saying it is a big waste of money since it cuts down the distance by only 13 km and it will cause environmental disasters. This project is conceived to please vested interests and Bangkok voters, but not from the demands from local people including Southerners. The proposed plan also has not passed the environmental assessment, but the government is trying to push it very hard by approving a 400 million baht study budget to finish the study in 1 year so as to start the project and be done in 3 years.
There will be 3 sections for this 128-km motorway
1) From Ban Laem Bua (Bangyai - Ban Pong Motorway) and go south to pass Phetkasem Road and Pinklao-Nakhonchaisri Road before ending up at Rama 2 Highway.
2) From Rama 2 Highway to go over the sea at Wat Krasa Khao and end up at Ban Makhma Chang
3) From Ban Makham Chang to pass Route 3117, 3187, and 3147 and then Phetkasem Road before ending up at Cha Am. This section will be constructed with the elevated way across the sea.
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