Thailand Pushes Rail Expansion to Malaysia Link

Thailand is accelerating plans to expand its southern rail network and revive cross-border links with Malaysia, aiming to boost trade, logistics capacity and regional connectivity. The Ministry of Transport said the initiative will strengthen rail as a key transport mode linking Thailand with neighbouring countries. The policy is being driven by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, with the State Railway of Thailand tasked to expedite Phase 2 of its double-track programme.

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Three major southern double-track routes, worth more than 100 billion baht in total, are expected to go to bidding within 2026. These include the 168-kilometre Chumphon to Surat Thani section valued at 30.42 billion baht, the 321-kilometre Surat Thani to Hat Yai to Songkhla route worth 66.27 billion baht, and the 45-kilometre Hat Yai to Padang Besar stretch budgeted at 7.77 billion baht. The Hat Yai to Padang Besar line is considered strategic as part of the corridor linking Thailand to Malaysia.

Efforts are also under way to revive the Sungai Kolok to Rantau Panjang railway, which has been inactive for more than 20 years. The plan was discussed at a bilateral meeting on April 29 chaired by Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, following a proposal from Malaysia to reconnect the route. Talks focused on restoring both passenger and freight services to stimulate economic activity in Thailand’s southern border provinces.

Participants reviewed progress on Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project, due for completion in January 2027, with Kota Bharu station located about 30 kilometres from the Sungai Kolok connection point. On the Thai side, a separate 215-kilometre double-track project between Hat Yai and Sungai Kolok is under feasibility study to prepare for increased demand once cross-border links resume.

Authorities also discussed upgrading freight handling facilities at Padang Besar checkpoint, including expanding container yard capacity to ease congestion and improve efficiency. Pichet said the discussions marked an important step towards building an effective cross-border transport network. He added that the developments would support public travel, strengthen logistics capability and enhance regional competitiveness over the long term.

The Nation reported that Thailand is expected to move forward with bidding processes for the southern routes within 2026, while continuing coordination with Malaysia on cross-border rail restoration. Progress on feasibility studies and infrastructure upgrades will be key to determining timelines for reconnecting services and handling increased trade flows.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 May 2026