Thepha: Minister of Transport Phiphat Chumphon has taken immediate action to address coastal erosion threatening Highway 43, a crucial route to Thailand's southern border. During his visit to Thepha, he emphasized the need for urgent erosion mitigation efforts to safeguard this vital transportation artery. Additionally, Minister Phiphat visited Thepha Hospital to address flooding concerns that affect patient access, instructing the Ministry of Transport to integrate comprehensive solutions for public benefit.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, conducted a detailed inspection in Thepha District, Songkhla Province. His focus was on monitoring the progress of coastal erosion countermeasures at rest areas along Highway 43. Mr. Pipat also inspected Thepha Hospital, where he discussed flood damage, healthcare needs, traffic issues, and hospital access with officials, aiming to coordinate actions among relevant agencies to enhance safety and quality of life for residents.
The inspection team included Mr. Ratsasart Chidchu, Governor of Songkhla Province; Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport; Mr. Chakri Bamrungwong, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Transport; and Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaishal, Director-General of the Department of Highways.
Mr. Pipat's visit focused on the coastal erosion at the Highway 43 rest area in Thepha District, an area facing persistent erosion challenges. Reports indicate that some sections of the coastline have receded by over 100 meters in the past two decades, averaging about 5 meters per year. Approximately 500 meters of coastline require urgent monitoring and protection, particularly during the rainy season when high waves and strong winds exacerbate the erosion.
Mr. Pipat highlighted the crucial role of Highway 43 as a major route connecting Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. He warned that unchecked erosion could threaten traffic lanes and public travel, necessitating immediate preventive measures to avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Discussions with local agencies revealed challenges related to land ownership and jurisdictional boundaries, with some areas overlapping with territorial waters managed by the Marine Department, and others involving privately owned land. This complexity hinders immediate construction along the entire coastline. To address this, the Marine Department is evaluating suitable coastal protection models based on local conditions, considering systematic measures to safeguard affected port and coastline areas. In the interim, rock reinforcements are being used to mitigate damage from strong waves and winds.
Mr. Pipat instructed the Department of Highways and related agencies to collaborate with Songkhla Province and the Marine Department to expedite decisions on construction methods, area responsibilities, and budget allocations, prioritizing the protection of Highway No. 43 and public safety. He stressed the importance of a holistic solution that considers the entire system, rather than focusing on isolated points that might negatively impact surrounding areas.
Following the coastal inspection, Mr. Pipat visited Thepha Hospital to assess the impact of flooding, hear healthcare personnel's concerns, and evaluate the transportation system for hospital access. He received reports on the floods during 2024-2025 that affected multiple healthcare facilities in Songkhla province. The damage reports have been submitted to the Ministry of Public Health for budgetary support.
Thepha Hospital, with approximately 72 beds, serves as a frontline medical facility in Songkhla province, catering to residents of Thepha and Sabayoi districts and patients from the southern border provinces. It offers medical treatment, physiotherapy, dialysis, and dental services. A request for approximately 35 million baht has been submitted to develop facilities and service areas for patients, aiming to enhance its capacity to serve the local population.
Mr. Pipat requested a detailed report on the hospital's damage and budgetary needs, distinguishing urgent requirements from long-term development plans, to facilitate coordination with relevant agencies and ensure that support addresses specific needs, particularly those affecting patient care and safety.
In addressing transportation issues in front of the hospital, Mr. Pipat examined limited access roads and heavy traffic conditions that impede ambulance flow. He discussed potential improvements, such as adding traffic lanes, to facilitate easier and quicker travel for ambulances and the public. He tasked the relevant road department with conducting a detailed area assessment and feasibility study.
Mr. Pipat emphasized that the day's mission at both locations is interconnected, underscoring the importance of "infrastructure" in ensuring safe access to essential services. He stated that Highway 43 must continuously support travel to the southern border provinces, while hospital access routes must enable quick ambulance response, especially during emergencies and disasters, to ensure sustainable travel security for the people of Songkhla province and the southern border provinces.