Transport
Southern Thailand Double-Track Railway Expansion Proposed
Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Boonyamanee plans to propose a 534-kilometer double-track railway project to the Cabinet, aiming to improve connectivity to the Malaysian border.
According to Khaosod Online Thailand, Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Boonyamanee has announced progress on the second phase of the southern double-track railway project. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved the initiative, which spans 534 kilometers and aims to connect Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Hat Yai, extending all the way to the Padang Besar border crossing with Malaysia.
For residents and travelers, this project represents a significant potential upgrade to regional infrastructure. Once completed, the double-track system is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of rail travel through the southern provinces, potentially reducing transit times and increasing capacity for both passengers and freight.
Currently, the SRT is finalizing project details for submission to the Ministry of Transport. The proposal is scheduled to be presented during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla, which is set for September 1, 2026. While the project has received internal approval from the SRT, it remains subject to formal Cabinet review and approval. Further details regarding construction timelines and specific operational impacts will be confirmed following the upcoming government deliberations.