The Cabinet has approved six double-track railway projects in Phase Two of the double-track expansion program to upgrade Thailand’s rail system infrastructure. 

The approval was given on 1 September 2026, when a mobile Cabinet meeting took place in Songkhla Province, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul.

Three of the six projects will be carried out in the South, with a combined value of 106.8 billion baht, as follows:

1. Chumphon - Surat Thani: 36.9 billion baht, with a seven-year implementation period from 2026 to 2032 fiscal years;

2. Surat Thani - Hat Yai Junction: 61.5 billion baht, with an eight-year implementation period from 2026 to 2033 fiscal years;

3. Hat Yai Junction - Padang Besar: 8.37 billion baht, with a six-year implementation period from 2026 to 2031 fiscal year.

These projects also cover the improvement and development of signaling systems to enhance operational efficiency and safety, as well as accommodating the increased frequency of future passenger and freight trains. The Southern Double-Track Railway Project Phase 2 is also crucial for developing the logistics system in the southern region. It will help connect economic zones, major cities, tourist attractions, and production areas throughout the South with Thailand’s major railway routes. 

Moreover, the Hat Yai Junction – Padang Besar section will help connect Thailand's railway network with Malaysia via the Padang Besar border checkpoint, strengthening the potential for international rail freight transport and promoting trade, tourism, and regional economic connectivity. It will also enhance Thailand's role as a regional transportation and logistics hub in the ASEAN region.

As for three other projects, they include (1) Pak Nam Pho - Den Chai, (2) Den Chai - Chiang Mai, and (3) Thanon Chira Junction - Ubon Ratchathani. The Cabinet instructed the State Railway of Thailand to accelerate its review of these projects concerning their suitability and work out marketing strategies and business plans, in accordance with the observations of the National Economic and Social Development Council. This directive follows assessments indicating that passenger and cargo forecasts may fall below expectations and do not reflect current realities. All compiled data will be presented for Cabinet approval in the future.