SRT backs 122.7-billion-baht southern double-track plan
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
|The Nation Editorial Team
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The SRT’s revised budget is 18.25 billion baht above the previous framework, while the Hat Yai–Songkhla section will be deferred.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has endorsed a revised investment framework of 122.72 billion baht for three Phase 2 double-track railway projects in southern Thailand.
The new budget is 18.2548 billion baht higher than the previous combined framework of about 100 billion baht, SRT Governor Anan Phonimdang said following the board meeting on Tuesday (August 11).
The package covers the Chumphon–Surat Thani, Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla and Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar routes. However, the Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla section will be deferred while the railway authority prioritises the main corridors.
Flood-protection redesign raises costs
Anan attributed the higher investment requirement to updates made to the construction plans, particularly measures intended to address flooding in southern Thailand.
Around Hat Yai, approximately three kilometres of track originally designed at ground level will instead be built on an elevated viaduct. A further two kilometres will be constructed on an embankment to improve drainage.
The budget has also been adjusted to account for higher construction-material costs attributed to the effects of war and wider economic conditions.