Thailand is recognised as a leader in transportation and logistics infrastructure among South East Asian (SEA) countries. Thailand is making significant investments in its rail transport infrastructure to methodically solve long-standing logistics bottlenecks and deficiencies in its domestic road network. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications manages the operations of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), that oversees the development of rail infrastructure in the country. Thailand’s trains connect Bangkok to the country’s north, northeast, east, and south with more than 4,000 km of track, spanning both domestic and foreign locations. With the current network largely running on single tracks, the Department of Rail Transport is pivoting towards enhancing the efficiency of rail infrastructure.
Government push towards modernisation and indigenisation
Thailand unveiled its long-term strategy for rail development at the Asia Pacific Rail 2026 conference held in Bangkok, outlining the initiatives to augment its rail network capacity while reinforcing interregional trade and logistics connections. The government is fast-tracking the expansion of railways across the country through dual-track rail projects and the development of high-speed rail.
Through its railway modernisation programme that commenced in 2019, the government is primarily concentrating on boosting domestic production and reducing the reliance on imported technology. The modernisation strategy collectively aims to lower the logistics costs by shifting from road transportation to rail. Moreover, it focuses on enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market, while also providing safe and accessible travel for commuters. The programme began with the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 for 48 stations around Bangkok. In April 2025, SRT partnered with ROCTEC to enhance railway telecommunication infrastructure and establish a cybersecurity framework to mitigate cyberthreats. This initiative is centred on incorporating essential signal transmission equipment and installing nearly 3,000 km of fibre optic cables along the SRT rail network.
Additionally, the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA) has received policy directives from the SRT, to promote the development of locomotives, bogies and passenger coaches made in Thailand. In order to shift to more domestically constructed trains, lower railway operating losses and promote local employment, three rail research projects involving train prototypes valued at around THB 500 million are being explored, as follows:
-Dual-mode vehicles (DMVs), which can operate on both roads and railway tracks, with expected completion by FY 2029
-The “Siamese Train”, a luxury tourist train, focusing on historical and cultural tourism that repurposes abandoned JR West railway bogies into opulent tourist coaches
-Upgrading third-class passenger coaches with air conditioning, expected to be completed by 2026
Furthermore, the RTRDA is developing a domestic diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU), in partnership with the Department of Rail Transport and the SRT. In accordance with the European standard manufacturing method, the RTRDA anticipates that the prototype vehicle will be finished in FY 2027-28. Blue Engineering of Italy is actively working on the design of the prototype DEMU. Although, it will be equipped with a diesel module for usage on non-electrified lines, the prototype will run on overhead electric traction.
Strengthening domestic arteries and promoting multimodal approach
The SRT for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027), approved an investment plan focused on building the nation’s rail infrastructure. Initially, the focus is on expanding the dual-track rail network with Phase 1 spanning six operational dual-track routes of over 993 km. Phase 2 of the plan covers 1,249 km at an approximate cost of THB 297.9 billion across six routes. The dual tracks will reduce train wait times at stations, thus eliminating the train-passing delays. Moreover, these track additions will shorten travel times by 30 per cent, lower logistical costs and reduce accidents while shifting freight movement from road to rail. With a total expenditure of about THB 100 billion, three significant double-track routes in the area are being given priority:
-Thailand: Chumphon-Surat Thani, worth THB 30.42 billion
-Thailand: Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla, worth THB 66.27 billion
-Thailand-Malaysia: Hat Yai-Padang Besar, worth THB 7.77 billion
The Hat Yai-Padang Besar project holds strategic value while facilitating passenger travel and cargo movements between Thailand and Malaysia. Alongside this, the historic Sungai Kolok-Rantau Panjang railway is being restored to enhance cross-border trade and regional logistics between the two countries. These projects are furthering strategic cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia.
Furthermore, there are a few key projects that are gaining momentum like high-speed rail and the land bridge project. Apart from the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail Phase 1 (connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima), focus is also on Phase 2 that connects Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, spanning 357.12 km. Moreover, with an estimated cost of THB 1 trillion, a proposal for the much-awaited land bridge project is likely to be presented to cabinet in July 2026. The land bridge will connect two deep-sea ports – one in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and another in Ranong on the Andaman Sea.
The road ahead
According to a cabinet resolution in December 2017, the National Strategy (2018-37) aims to ensure the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation in accordance with the Sufficient Economy Philosophy. This is supported by different pillars that cater to development across sectors, further supported by action plans that link to the transportation sector.
Moreover, the Government of Thailand is working towards linking the nation’s rail infrastructure with other modes of transportation to enhance regional connectivity while elevating cross-border trade. This provides new growth avenues for private developers through transit-oriented development (ToD) sites, as indicated by the government on the high-speed rail stations. Two of these sites include the Makkasan Station and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, where development of up to 12 times the available plot size has been allowed. Rail corridors, which connect residential, commercial and recreational areas into a more cohesive metropolitan structure, may serve as the foundation of Bangkok’s future urban growth.
