CHIANG MAI – Thailand has reopened talks with China about a long-discussed road project that would include tunnels between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. The proposed route runs for more than 177 kilometers and aims to cut travel time while making cargo transport easier. Early estimates put the budget at about 30 billion baht.
On March 11, 2026, Mae Hong Son Governor Wiboon Waewbandit met with local agencies at the Ratchathamphithak meeting room on the second floor of the Mae Hong Son Provincial Hall. The group exchanged technical views on infrastructure, design, and road construction in highland areas.
China Highway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. joined the meeting through its leadership team, including General Manager Wang Saoyi and Wang Qing, General Manager for Overseas Operations.
The discussion focused on provincial development and an overview of logistics road concepts tied to the Chiang Mai to Samoeng to Mae Hong Son tunnel-road corridor. In addition, both sides considered possible approaches for infrastructure cooperation that could support the project if the Thai government moves forward.
Mae Hong Son has studied the idea for many years. Authorities hired a consulting firm in 2003 to review economic feasibility, engineering requirements, and environmental impacts for the Chiang Mai to Samoeng to Mae Hong Son route, including tunnel sections.
China Highway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd., a Chinese state enterprise, showed interest in reviewing the tunnel concept and its practicality. The initial corridor studied by Mae Hong Son highway officials links Highway 108 near Ban Hua Nam Mae Sakut and connects to the older Rural Highway 1349 in Mueang Mae Hong Son District.
From there, it passes Ban Wat Chan, continues along Route 1269 through Samoeng and Hang Dong Districts, and then enters Mueang Chiang Mai District. The full route spans about 177 kilometers and includes plans to upgrade the road to standard specifications, along with five tunnel sites.
Earlier, Thailand’s Cabinet approved a strategic plan for the upper northern provincial cluster. As part of that plan, the Department of Highways began feasibility work and an environmental impact assessment process on August 15, 2006. That study covered a 161-kilometer alignment with five tunnels, with construction costs estimated at 30 billion baht.
Governor Wiboon said technical construction methods do not appear to be the main obstacle based on the early surveys and engineering reviews. Instead, progress depends on national policy and whether the government prioritizes development access into Mae Hong Son.
Local agencies, he added, continue to support the effort. If the project advances, it could improve daily life in Mae Hong Son by reducing travel time to Chiang Mai and making freight movement more convenient.
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