Thailand is advancing an extensive plan to expand its southern double-track railway network and restore cross-border rail connectivity with Malaysia, as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional trade, improve logistics capacity, and enhance transport infrastructure integration across Southeast Asia.
The Ministry of Transport, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to accelerate the implementation of Phase 2 of its double-track railway expansion programme, with a particular focus on key southern corridors.
Three major rail infrastructure projects in the southern region, with a combined investment value exceeding 100 billion baht, are expected to enter the bidding stage in 2026. These projects include the 168-kilometre Chumphon–Surat Thani line valued at 30.42 billion baht, the 321-kilometre Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla route valued at 66.27 billion baht, and the 45-kilometre Hat Yai–Padang Besar section valued at 7.77 billion baht.
Among these, the Hat Yai–Padang Besar corridor is regarded as a strategically important section, as it serves as a key rail link between Thailand and Malaysia. The route is expected to play a central role in improving cross-border freight and passenger movement once fully upgraded.
In parallel with domestic rail expansion efforts, Thai authorities are also working in coordination with Malaysian counterparts on the potential revival of the Sungai Kolok–Rantau Panjang railway line, which has been out of service for more than 20 years. The restoration of this line is intended to further strengthen connectivity between the two countries and support increased economic activity in border regions.
A bilateral discussion on the proposal was held on April 29, chaired by Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport. The meeting focused on enhancing rail cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia and evaluating the feasibility of restoring both passenger and freight rail services along the affected corridor.
Malaysia has proposed reconnecting the railway between Sungai Kolok station in Narathiwat province and Rantau Panjang station in Kelantan state. The discussions also included a review of wider regional rail developments, particularly Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which is scheduled for completion in January 2027. The ECRL’s Kota Bharu station is located approximately 30 kilometres from the proposed Thai connection point, further reinforcing the potential for integrated cross-border rail operations.
In addition, Thailand is currently conducting a feasibility study for a 215-kilometre double-track railway project between Hat Yai and Sungai Kolok. This study aims to prepare the southern rail network for increased transport demand that is expected to arise once cross-border connectivity is fully restored and modernized.
Authorities also discussed planned upgrades to freight handling facilities at the Padang Besar checkpoint. These improvements include the expansion of container yard capacity to reduce congestion, improve cargo flow, and enhance overall efficiency in cross-border logistics operations.
Officials noted that the combined initiatives are intended to strengthen regional logistics systems, improve transport efficiency, and support long-term economic integration between Thailand and Malaysia, while reinforcing Thailand’s position as a key logistics hub in the region.
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