The Department of Highways has held a seminar to gauge private sector interest in the building of a highway linking Hat Yai and Malaysia.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of Transport Arkhom Termpittayapaisit, who explained that the cross-border highway would be 62 kilometers long and help reduce traffic throughout the southern region where only the often-congested Petchkasem Road (Highway 4) is an option. He noted the highway would permit access to the Sadao-Pedang Besar border crossing, which sees close to Bt500 billion in trade each year.

The new highway would begin at the Petchkasem intersection in Bang Klam district of Songkla province and continue through Sadao district to Hat Yai Airport and to the southern industrial commune. Four toll stops are proposed starting at Bt10 with an added Bt1.25 for every kilometer. Tolls will payable through the forthcoming Spider Card.

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