Officials from the Thai Road Authority said a preliminary study is underway to build a high-speed highway linking southern Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Upon completion of the study, it is planned to submit the project for approval to the Cabinet of Ministers after an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
Officials also added that a preliminary study would take six months, and public hearings would be held during the EIA.
The EIA and public hearings will take another six months and the entire process is expected to be completed next year. If the Cabinet approves the project, construction can begin immediately, as all construction zones are under government control.
The Thai Road Authority is developing a strategy to attract private investment through a public-private partnership for the highway. However, officials caution that they have not yet finalized an investment model for the project.
Local media are reporting an attempt to attract Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) to invest in the project.
Kirati Kitmanawat, deputy director of the AOT, denied the media claims, saying that there were no formal negotiations with the Thai Express Highway Authority.
The proposed motorway will start at Srinakarin Interchange and end at Lat Krabang. The estimated cost of the project is 21.89 billion baht.
