Transport
State Railway of Thailand Approves Three Southern Double-Track Projects
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved three new double-track rail projects for the southern line, aiming for Cabinet submission by the end of 2026.
According to a report by Thai Post on August 12, 2026, the board of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has officially approved plans for three double-track railway sections along the southern line. The approved segments include the routes from Chumphon to Surat Thani, Surat Thani to Hat Yai, and Hat Yai to Padang Besar.
For residents and travelers, this development represents a significant step toward modernizing rail infrastructure in the southern region. Double-track systems are designed to increase train frequency, improve punctuality, and enhance overall safety by reducing the need for trains to wait at stations for oncoming traffic to pass. Once completed, these upgrades could offer a more reliable and efficient alternative to road travel for those moving between Bangkok and the southern provinces or toward the Malaysian border.
While the SRT board has given its internal approval, the project is not yet finalized. The next critical phase involves submitting these proposals to the Cabinet for formal review and budget allocation. The SRT aims to complete this submission process before the end of 2026. Further details regarding the construction timeline, specific budget figures, and potential impacts on existing train schedules during the development phase remain to be confirmed by the government.