Transport Thailand's Railway Expansion: A 297.9 Billion Baht Endeavour

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is embarking on a transformative journey with the second phase of its ambitious double-track railway development project. Aiming to span 1,249 kilometres, this initiative comes with a hefty price tag of 297.9 billion baht.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, is at the helm of this significant venture. He assures that the project will revolutionise the country’s transport infrastructure by reducing travel times by up to 30% and improving punctuality, thanks to the elimination of train crossing delays.

 

Furthermore, the plan promises to bolster safety, reduce accidents, and cut logistical costs. It sets out to provide more efficient, affordable, and safe travel options, marking a pivotal shift in Thailand’s transportation landscape. “This project will modernise Thailand’s transport infrastructure, cementing the country’s status as a key transportation hub in Southeast Asia,” Suriya stated confidently.

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has submitted its proposal to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), which will base its route priorities on passenger and freight demand, track capacity, economic viability, and national policy alignment. Additionally, factors like passenger forecasts and connectivity with other networks play a role.

 

Top Priority Routes:

 

High on the agenda is the 321-kilometre Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla route, demanding an investment of 66.27 billion baht. Next is the 218-kilometre Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai route at 81.14 billion baht, followed by the 168-kilometre Chumphon–Surat Thani route, expected to require 30.42 billion baht.

 

Medium-Priority Routes:

 

The 308-kilometre Jira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani route comes in at 44.1 billion baht, and the 189-kilometre Den Chai–Chiang Mai route stands at 68.22 billion baht.

 

Lower Priority:

 

The less pressing 45-kilometre Hat Yai–Padang Besar section is marked at 7.77 billion baht.

 

In response to the NESDC's feedback, the SRT is refining its forecasts on passenger and freight volumes, and adjusting plans related to train operations and track capacity. They’ve also crafted a revenue-generating strategy targeting major railway stations and container yards.

 

A paramount objective of this phase is to shift freight transport from roads to rails, aiming to alleviate congestion and curb environmental impact. Suriya emphasised that it’s not only about enhancing passenger travel but also about reinvigorating freight logistics to boost Thailand’s economic competitiveness on the global stage.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-24

 

 

[mfd101]

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

 

A paramount objective of this phase is to shift freight transport from roads to rails, aiming to alleviate congestion and curb environmental impact.

Good. Can't wait.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Furthermore, the plan promises to bolster safety, reduce accidents, and cut logistical costs.

If you keep the Chinese away from building it

[Xonax]

The Benz dealers are probably stocking up already.

[kingstonkid]

where is the government getting all the money for all these endeavours.

[Korat Kiwi]

21 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

where is the government getting all the money for all these endeavours.

New visas for retirees... Also to be known as a lifetime visa, except after you have one we will change the definition of lifetime to mean 13 months from date of application. 

 

After which time a new visa will be dreamt up which will endeavour to empty any remaining funds from your bank account. 

[Watawattana]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

where is the government getting all the money for all these endeavours.

Probably taking over the Chinese scam operations.

[PETERTHEEATER]

If shifting general freight for nationwide distribution by rail was realistic other countries would have adopted it. Point to point delivery by road will continue to be the cheapest and practical option.

[kingstonkid]

2 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

If shifting general freight for nationwide distribution by rail was realistic other countries would have adopted it. Point to point delivery by road will continue to be the cheapest and practical option.

Going to assume you are not north American. Freight rail is very much part of the game

[Briggsy]

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

If you keep the Chinese away from building it

The Chinese will tell them where to build, who is going to build it (The Chinese), how much they are going to borrow (from the Chinese) to build it and supply the trains.

 

They won't draw the Thais attention to the heavy penalties (not all financial, Hello, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea....) hidden in the contract for the slightest breach or default.

 

They sure as hell will try to gloss over the fact that control of the entity will be retained in Chinese hands.

 

All of this will be facilitated through careful bungs to the right decision makers.

 

Day by day, Thailand is drawn into China's sphere of influence.