Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the Transport Ministry to speed up the construction along Rama II Road, after an online survey found congestion along the road is putting tourists off the resort town of Hua Hin.

The survey, launched by the popular Facebook page “Paksabuy” last week, asked netizens to pick a reason behind the continued decline in the number of tourists visiting Hua Hin.

While many picked expensive accommodation and the nation’s poor economic recovery, congestion along Rama II Road topped the list of reasons for the town’s decline.

Traffic congestion has long been a problem along Rama II Road, which is one of the main roads which connects Bangkok to the South. The construction of an elevated highway along Rama II Road has seen delays and fatal accidents, worsening traffic jams along the road.

“The government will expedite the construction [along Rama II Road] as the delay has caused problems to motorists and business operators. Pollution from the construction site has also impacted the people’s health,” Mr Srettha posted on X on Monday.

The Transport Ministry, meanwhile, said it will speed up the construction to ensure minimal disruption ahead of the Songkran holidays.

The deputy governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan said Hua Hin is still popular with both Thai and foreign visitors, especially on the weekends.