The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to seek cabinet approval next month for three additional dual-track railway sections under Phase 2 of the national programme. If approved, SRT will begin the route-by-route tendering process—spaced two months apart—to minimise bid-rigging risks. The three sections have a combined estimated cost of THB 100 billion.
The proposed works include the 168 km Chumphon–Surat Thani section (THB30.4 billion), the 321 km Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla section (THB66.27 billion), and the 45 km Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar section (THB7.77 billion). Budget Bureau, Ministry of Finance, and NESDC approvals have been secured. Tendering will begin with Chumphon–Surat Thani, followed by Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar, while the Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla route will proceed last due to land encroachment issues along a 20 km section of the Hat Yai–Songkhla line.
These works form part of seven routes planned under Phase 2. The Khon Kaen–Nong Khai section, approved in April, is currently underway. Remaining routes—Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai (281 km; THB81.1 billion), Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani (308 km; THB44 billion), and Den Chai–Chiang Mai (189 km; THB68.2 billion)—are expected to advance in early 2026 pending EIA and proposal revisions. Phase 1 dual-track infrastructure is in operation, though signalling works are still being completed.