The Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Neda) is considering offering financial assistance to build a shorter road to Yangon in Myanmar.
The new road would be 853 kilometres long, shorter than the current 951-km road connecting Mae Sot in Tak to Myawaddy and Yangon, said Neda president Newin Sinsiri.
The new highway would start from Thailand's Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi province and pass through Payathonzu in Myanmar on the way to Yangon.
It takes three hours to travel from Three Pagodas Pass to Payathonzu on non-asphalt road now, passing plateaus, hills and four major rivers. The road can only be used in the dry season.
He said the project would include development of a 115-km dirt road between Payathonzu and Thanbyuzayat into a two-lane road, and construction of buildings for a checkpoint, goods distribution, infrastructure and facilities.
The project is undergoing a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, said Mr Newin.
From a preliminary study, the new road is estimated to have a 20-year lifespan and improve transportation between the two countries. There is also potential for investment in logistics parks and industrial estates along the road in Kanchanaburi province, he said.
Neda was established in May 2005 as a public organisation under the supervision of the Finance Ministry, tasked with providing financial and economic aid for neighbouring countries' infrastructure projects. Apart from transport and communications, financial assistance also covers areas such as trade, investment, energy and tourism.
The Thai cabinet recently agreed to provide financial support for a 138-kilometre road linking Kanchanaburi with Dawei, Myanmar.