Economy
Thai Cabinet Approves 106 Billion Baht for Southern Double-Track Rail Projects
The Thai government has greenlit three major double-track railway projects in the South, aiming to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.
During a mobile cabinet meeting held in Songkhla, the Thai government officially approved a budget of 106.798 billion baht for the second phase of southern double-track railway construction. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Ratsameesaengchan, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will oversee the development of three specific routes to enhance the national transport network and stimulate the southern economy.
The approved projects include the Chumphon to Surat Thani section, which is allocated 36.892 billion baht with a seven-year implementation timeline from 2026 to 2032. The government plans to fund these initiatives through annual budget allocations and domestic loans guaranteed by the Ministry of Finance.
For residents and travelers, these projects represent a significant long-term investment in infrastructure that aims to improve rail efficiency and capacity across the southern region. While the cabinet has authorized the commencement of these three projects, specific details regarding construction schedules, potential service disruptions, or exact completion dates for the remaining segments of the second phase are yet to be fully finalized. The government has committed to covering all project costs to ensure the development proceeds as planned. Further updates regarding the procurement process and specific operational impacts will be provided as the SRT moves forward with the implementation phase.