Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has outlined 20 major infrastructure projects worth more than THB 1.38 trillion, with most to be delivered through public-private partnerships to reduce state spending. The plan spans land, rail, air and water transport, including new expressways, double-track railways and airport expansions. Among the largest schemes is the THB 900 billion Land Bridge project, alongside upgrades to Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
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The announcement follows budget policy directions set on April 26, 2026, under a national expenditure framework of THB 3.788 trillion. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Prime Minister had instructed agencies to ensure spending is “targeted and precise” and aligned with the government’s “10 Plus” policy. The strategy aims to steer Thailand through current economic pressures while supporting long-term development and efforts to escape the middle-income trap.
Government guidance emphasises value for money and zero-based budgeting, requiring agencies to justify all spending based on necessity, urgency and relevance. Unnecessary costs must be cut, while additional budget requests are capped at 20% of the previous year’s allocation and limited to investment spending. The policy also promotes clean energy adoption, including electric vehicles and solar rooftop installations across state agencies.
For the transport sector, the Prime Minister has prioritised maintaining and repairing existing road networks rather than focusing heavily on new construction. This approach is intended to improve safety, ensure efficient use of resources and reduce overall government expenditure. Phiphat said the ministry and its agencies are ready to implement these policies to deliver “concrete results”.
He added that all departments have been instructed to align budget proposals with national priorities, placing strong emphasis on public benefit and infrastructure efficiency. The ministry expects the investment pipeline to support broader government objectives while strengthening transport connectivity across the country. The use of public-private partnerships is also expected to ease fiscal pressure while accelerating project delivery.
The Nation reported that the 20 projects will be submitted gradually to the Cabinet or relevant committees for approval. Implementation timelines will depend on regulatory clearance and partnership agreements with private sector investors. The government aims to balance infrastructure expansion with fiscal discipline as it advances its long-term economic strategy.
The land transport projects
The Chalong Rat–Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway, eastern Bangkok, is worth THB13.655 billion.
The Bang Pa-in area network development project, including links with the M6 motorway, Asian Highway and M9 motorway, is worth THB9.651 billion.
The second-level elevated expressway, or Double Deck, on the Ngam Wong Wan–Rama IX section, is worth THB34.8 billion.
The M8 Nakhon Pathom–Pak Tho motorway, worth THB54.562 billion.
The Srinakarin–Suvarnabhumi Airport Expressway, worth THB20.811 billion.
The Phuket Expressway, Mueang Mai–Ko Kaeo–Kathu section, is worth THB46.751 billion.
The eastern section of the third outer ring road motorway, from Highway 305 to Highway 304.
The eastern Hat Yai bypass construction project on a new alignment, from the Highway 43 junction to the Highway 4 junction.
The rail transport projects comprise double-track railway construction on three sections
Chumphon–Surat Thani, worth THB30.42253 billion.
Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla, worth THB66.27051 billion.
Hat Yai–Padang Besar, worth THB7.77290 billion.
The air transport projects
The East Expansion of the passenger terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport, worth THB13.829 billion.
The Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Master Plan, 2025 edition.
The Don Mueang Airport development project, Phase 3, is worth THB69.285 billion.
The Chiang Mai Airport development project, Phase 1, is worth THB16 billion.
The Phuket Airport development project, Phase 2, is worth THB6.211 billion.
The preliminary feasibility and investment-worthiness study for Andaman Airport and Lanna Airport.
The water transport projects
The development of a cruise terminal to accommodate large cruise ships in the Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province.
The Land Bridge project, worth THB900 billion.
The development of waterborne freight transport along the Pak Nam Pho–Samut Sakhon route, linking the MR–MAP–13 route.
Picture courtesy of The Nation
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 Apr 2026