Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is moving ahead with the second phase of its double-track railway project, focusing on upgrading the line from Chumphon to Padang Besar near Malaysia. Acting SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng announced plans to propose three new routes for cabinet consideration next month. The tender process will follow approval, taking approximately five months, with bids opened sequentially to prevent bid-rigging.

 

These projects involve an investment of 100 billion baht for three routes: Chumphon–Surat Thani (168 km), Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla (321 km), and Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar (45 km). These routes have already secured approvals from relevant government bodies. If the cabinet greenlights the routes, Chumphon–Surat Thani will be tendered first, with construction prioritized to commence swiftly.

 

The southern routes, crucial for regional connectivity, face challenges such as land encroachment affecting the Hat Yai–Songkhla line. Seven routes are slated for upgrade in this phase, with the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai line already under construction since an April cabinet approval. The remaining routes are planned for January, pending proposal reviews.

 

The SRT aims to address issues from Phase 1, where signalling works remain incomplete. They are coordinating with environmental authorities to ensure smooth progress for rail sections like Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani, which required a resubmitted environmental impact assessment.

 

Looking forward, SRT anticipates further advancements in railway infrastructure, enhancing local transportation and cross-border connectivity with Malaysia. This expansion aligns with Thailand's broader infrastructure goals, aiming to boost regional trade and travel, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• SRT will submit proposals for three new railway routes next month.
• An investment of 100 billion baht is planned for the southern routes.
• Work on seven routes, including environmental reviews, is ongoing.

 

Related Stories:

Hua Hin Railway Station to Undergo Major Revamp

State Railway Speeds Ahead with Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong Double-Track Line

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-19

 

 

 

waaw what a progression.. double track railways... and how about more High speed trains and railways as other countries have??? That is for the next century???

A turtle also 'advances'--and at about the same speed of the SRT. 

11 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

waaw what a progression.. double track railways... and how about more High speed trains and railways as other countries have??? That is for the next century???

Only a couple of weeks ago I was held up for 10 minutes on a UK train journey, waiting for an oncoming train that was running late. My train was already late and connection time reduced from 20 mins to 4 mins, very uncomfortable at my age.

Even the advanced economies make rail travel difficult.

This is long overdue as Thailand waited about 70 years to start improving their railway system, it could have been a great way to boost cargo transport and prevent the highways from becoming completely choked up. 

 

The double tracks is a great idea. I recently took the train to Bangkok and it was a lot quicker than before, now they start need to work on improving the carriages as they are severely outdated.

 

If Thailand is going to market itself as a modern country it needs to spend the money to boost appearances. 

"Double track"?

 

Does that mean they'll have to get another train?

 

 

 

If Thailand wants tourists to venture out from BKK, Pattaya and Phuket.......they have to invest in a decent rail system.

 

Road transport is desperately unappealing, takes far too long to get anywhere and is dangerous.

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

Only a couple of weeks ago I was held up for 10 minutes on a UK train journey, waiting for an oncoming train that was running late. My train was already late and connection time reduced from 20 mins to 4 mins, very uncomfortable at my age.

Even the advanced economies make rail travel difficult.

I was in Germany last year and used german trains quite a lot.  They used to be the envy of Europe, but I'd now say that the UK is better.  I took 16 train trips, not a single one was on time, the trains were filthy and badly maintained, and the stations were just as bad.

 

The previous year I went from London to Edinburgh on one of the newer trains.  It was 31 minutes late due to an issue with a bridge north of Newcastle, which was enough for me to get half my fare back.  Amazing.  Not a single cent was returned for any of my german trips.

Get the Chinese to construct it. Laos' 400km high-speed railway was up and running in 5 years.

4 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I was in Germany last year and used german trains quite a lot.  They used to be the envy of Europe, but I'd now say that the UK is better.  I took 16 train trips, not a single one was on time, the trains were filthy and badly maintained, and the stations were just as bad.

 

The previous year I went from London to Edinburgh on one of the newer trains.  It was 31 minutes late due to an issue with a bridge north of Newcastle, which was enough for me to get half my fare back.  Amazing.  Not a single cent was returned for any of my german trips.

Experience differs, last summer had a 10 day holiday in the Mosel valley, London - Luxembourg - Koln - London. Quite a few train journeys both national & regional, not one delayed or cancelled. I think the Eurostar was probably the worst, London end was a nightmare.

I think it was 4 years ago when I was over in the UK for a few weeks I got over £100 in compensation from disrupted train journeys. That takes some doing using advance fares and a railcard.

18 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

waaw what a progression.. double track railways... and how about more High speed trains and railways as other countries have??? That is for the next century???

Not in the UK just yet, but maybe in the next century?

6 hours ago, sandyf said:

Only a couple of weeks ago I was held up for 10 minutes on a UK train journey, waiting for an oncoming train that was running late. My train was already late and connection time reduced from 20 mins to 4 mins, very uncomfortable at my age.

Even the advanced economies make rail travel difficult.

Where do you get advanced, in the UK? It used to be, but it's going backwards at a fast rate of knots. Very glad i don't live there now.

5 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

 

If Thailand wants tourists to venture out from BKK, Pattaya and Phuket.......they have to invest in a decent rail system.

 

Road transport is desperately unappealing, takes far too long to get anywhere and is dangerous.

This perspective embodies white supremacy. We must challenge the dominant narrative that prioritizes the Western white male viewpoint and actively seek to understand and embrace a more inclusive and diverse range of perspectives. 

1 hour ago, nick supreme said:

This perspective embodies white supremacy. We must challenge the dominant narrative that prioritizes the Western white male viewpoint and actively seek to understand and embrace a more inclusive and diverse range of perspectives. 

 

🤣

23 hours ago, Surasak said:

Where do you get advanced, in the UK? It used to be, but it's going backwards at a fast rate of knots. Very glad i don't live there now.

Nothing to do  with me, take your views to those that are responsible.

AI Overview

Countries described as advanced economies include Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which also make up the Group of Seven (G7) major advanced economies. Other advanced economies often listed are Australia, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

On 11/19/2025 at 2:58 PM, ikke1959 said:

and how about more High speed trains and railways as other countries have???

 

No thanks, this is Thailand and they can't manage as it is now.

The double tracks to Hua Hin were supposed to cut off at least an hour from the trip from Bangkok.  As far as I can tell it hardly made any difference whatsoever.  The fastest train used to be around 3 hours before the double tracks, and it's still listed as 3 hours.