Rail development project with a budget of B297 billion advances for approval by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)
The Phase 2 Dual-Track Railway Project in Thailand is on the brink of approval, with the Transport Ministry having submitted all necessary documentation and details for consideration. Valued at an impressive 297.9 billion baht, the project involves the construction of over 1,200 km of railway across six routes, divided into three priority groups by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
The highest priority group, Group 1, includes the Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla route (321 km, 66.27 billion baht), the Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai route (218 km, 81.14 billion baht), and the Chumphon–Surat Thani route (168 km, 30.42 billion baht). The Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla route is the longest route in this group, while the Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai route holds the title of the most expensive route, with a budget of 81.14 billion baht.
Group 2 consists of the Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani route (308 km, 44.10 billion baht) and the Den Chai–Chiang Mai route (189 km, 68.22 billion baht). The Den Chai-Chiang Mai route is the longest route in this group, while the Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani route has the lowest budget among the routes in Group 2, at 44.10 billion baht.
Group 3, the lowest priority group, features the Hat Yai–Padang Besar route (45 km, 7.77 billion baht).
The SRT has presented the project to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), with the decision and funding approvals appearing imminent as of early August 2025. Once the NESDC board approves the investment plan, the Transport Ministry will compile all feedback and forward the proposal to the cabinet for final approval.
This Phase 2 project builds upon ongoing efforts to modernise Thailand's railway infrastructure, with the aim of enhancing connectivity within Thailand and with neighbouring countries in the region. The project is a part of Thailand’s broader strategy to improve regional rail transport, reinforcing its importance in ASEAN connectivity.
No finalised details about exact construction timelines are provided, but the decision and funding approvals appear imminent, marking an exciting step forward for Thailand's railway system.
Football matches during half-time breaks could be organized at the construction sites of the railway project to boost team spirit and morale among the workers. The completion of the Phase 2 Dual-Track Railway Project in Thailand, after its approval, will enhance sports opportunities for not just the workers but also the local communities along the six routes.
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