Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.

Get today's headlines by email

MRTA governor Kajpajorn Udomthamphakdee said the agency remains committed to the 22.1-kilometre Brown Line between Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum). The project is currently undergoing construction redesigns at two locations, including an overlap with an Expressway Authority of Thailand project near Hua Mum Market and adjustments around Kaset intersection.

The revised design process is expected to take around six months because the overall project details, feasibility study and investment model must all be reviewed. MRTA had originally planned to submit the project to the cabinet by late 2025, but delays caused by redesigns and coordination with related agencies forced the process to be postponed. The latest timeline expects the project to be submitted to the MRTA board by the end of 2026 before progressing further.

The second project is the 19.7-kilometre Silver Line light rail transit route between Bang Na and Suvarnabhumi Airport. MRTA is reviewing designs to allow direct links into the airport while also preparing a new environmental impact assessment because the previous study is more than five years old. The study is expected to begin within two to three months and take about one year to complete.

MRTA is also reviewing the first phase of the Grey Line monorail between Watcharaphon and Thong Lo, covering 16.3 kilometres. The project is being updated to reflect current conditions and is expected to be submitted to the MRTA board in 2027.

A fourth project, the Blue Line monorail between Din Daeng and Sathorn, covering 6.7 kilometres, is expected to begin studies after 2029 according to priorities under the M-MAP2 transport plan.

Outside Bangkok, MRTA is continuing work on tram systems in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. In Phuket, the Ministry of Transport has instructed the Department of Highways to complete upgrades to Highway 4027 before tram construction begins in order to reduce traffic disruption. The Phuket tram project is expected to be submitted to cabinet in late 2026 or early 2027, with operations planned for 2032.

Chiang Mai’s tram extension towards Royal Park Rajapruek has completed its study phase and two rounds of public hearings. The system is also expected to open in 2032.

Khaosod reported that in Nakhon Ratchasima, the tram route has been changed from the original Green Line to an Orange Line following requests from local residents, altering the planned route by around 30 to 40 percent. MRTA said both the Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima projects are likely to progress before the Phuket tram system.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 10 May 2026

View full article

Can't have too much public transit. Have ro be an idjit to sit in Bangkok's parking lot.

Let's wait for the official plans. They need to serve areas where most Thai people live and work.

31 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Can't have too much public transit. Have ro be an idjit to sit in Bangkok's parking lot.

But they can't possibly hope to build enough of these trains to reduce traffic, can they? It seems like an expensive scam.

Let's wait for the official plans. They need to serve areas where most Thai people live and work.

That's only partly true. Lots of areas grew up around BTS and MRT stops.

It's a question of which comes first, the people or the infrastructure?

Or, as in the movie, "If you build it, they will come". And drive up the value of the real estate.

Edit: I'd add that it's cheaper to build it on undeveloped land than where people already live... In fact, as I understand it, the MRTA buys the land on the cheap, then sells most of it at a profit to developers, and that's how a lot of it gets funded. ("Cheap" being a relative term...)

Edited May 10May 10 by impulse