Phuket bypass-bypass officially opens

PHUKET: The long-awaited “bypass-bypass” road is now finished, connecting the existing bypass road with Ekwanit Road behind Surakul Stadium and Darasamuth School.

The 550-meter shortcut – marked by a street sign as “Ekvanit Darasamud Road” – was officially opened at a ceremony today chaired by Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

Joining the ceremony were Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) President Paiboon Upatising and Wichit Municipality President Kreetha Saetan.

The project was held up for various reasons including the relocation of a squatter’s home blocking the intended path of the road.

Most of the road – starting near HomeWorks on the bypass road – was finished last year with the squatter’s home preventing construction on the final 65-meter stretch to Ekwanit Road.

Land for the project was donated by Darasamuth School and Sophon Ekwanit of the prominent Ekwanit family.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan