Politics
Thai Cabinet Approves 106 Billion Baht Southern Double-Track Railway Expansion
The Thai government has greenlit the second phase of the southern double-track railway project, covering routes from Chumphon to Padang Besar.
On September 1, 2026, during an official mobile cabinet meeting held at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, the Thai Cabinet approved the second phase of the southern double-track railway project. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan, as reported by Khaosod Online Thailand, the initiative involves three specific construction projects with a total budget of 106.798 billion baht.
The approved routes span from Chumphon to Surat Thani, and extend toward Hat Yai and Padang Besar. The government intends to fund these projects through annual budget allocations and domestic loans guaranteed by the Ministry of Finance. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been tasked with the construction, which is expected to take approximately seven years for the Chumphon-Surat Thani section.
For residents and travelers, this infrastructure development aims to enhance transportation capacity and stimulate the economy across the southern region. While the cabinet has officially approved the budget and the scope of the work, specific construction timelines for the segments beyond the Chumphon-Surat Thani route and the exact impact on current train schedules during the seven-year construction period remain to be confirmed. Travelers should monitor future announcements from the SRT regarding potential service adjustments as the project progresses.