South Thailand: New rail routes mooted to stimulate tourism

 

Picture: Bangkok Biz News

 

A house committee discussing improvements to infrastructure in the south of Thailand by connecting the Andaman with the Gulf of Thailand heard several suggestions from the Move Forward party.

 

Among the ideas to stimulate and promote tourism is building a 77 kilometer railway from Surat Thani to Don Sak port, the location of ferries to Koh Samui.

 

Another idea is to build a 158 kilometer railway linking Surat Thai and Tha Num in Phangnga province on the Andaman side. 

 

Other ideas bandied about include persuading airlines to run services from Phuket to Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Hat Yai. 

 

Road building and road widening between the two sides as well as developing canal systems all over the south of Thailand to promote trade were also discussed.  

 

Source: Bangkok Biz News

 

 

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A train from Phuket to Hat Yai! 555+ There used to be flights, which were great for a visa run.

A lot of nonsense was discussed at this meeting, but yeah we all agree that things need to change down there regarding public transport.... but the mafia force is stronger in the south than anywhere else in this fine country. I wish them luck!

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Among the ideas to stimulate and promote tourism is building a 77 kilometer railway from Surat Thani to Don Sak port, the location of ferries to Koh Samui.

To boost domestic tourism during the pandemic border closure, or to boost international tourism after reopening the borders?

 

The first, domestic tourists, might prefer to arrive by cars, as they already does, or by air straight to the resort island for a weekend outing.

 

The latter, international tourists, might be more interested in faster ferry transfer; however there is already a fast catamaran ferry – or was until the pandemic – it need to be a high-speed train to compete with the wide 4-lane plus shoulders, half empty road to Don Sak. It takes one hour to drive between Don Sak and Surat Thani town, the normal car-ferry ride takes 1½ hour – i.e. road + ferry 2½ hour plus waiting time at ferry port, count at least 30 minutes – whilst catamaran passenger-only ferry between Samui and Surat Thani town takes 2 hours.

 

A 77 kilometer railway is not a small investment, I wonder if the same amount invested in infrastructure on the islands, i.e. Samui, Phangan and Tao – for example working garbage incinerators and generally better "green" image, and better control of taxi-fares – might improve future foreign tourism better...????

At least its way much better then buying 2 subs.

But dont think only about tourism, you can also use  for cargo transport, saves you roads and trucking.

Yes a train to Phuket, Krabi then Hat yai would be a good idea.

On 11/13/2020 at 12:47 PM, khunPer said:

To boost domestic tourism during the pandemic border closure, or to boost international tourism after reopening the borders?

Well I do hope the pandemic will be over in the 40 years it would take this bunch of clowns to come up with a plan and implement it.