Thailand, August 2026 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved consultancy services for detailed design and environmental impact assessments for the proposed Nakhon Sawan–Ban Phai railway and the Chatturat–Chaiyaphum–Nong Bua Lamphu double-track line. The two contracts are valued at a combined THB392 million and are expected to be signed in September 2026.
The Nakhon Sawan–Ban Phai project would comprise a 304-km single-track railway with an estimated investment of THB41.849 billion and two tunnels, alongside upgrades to 66.2 km of existing railway between Kud Nam Sai Junction, Chatturat and Bua Yai. Design and EIA work is expected to take 450 days. The second project covers a 230-km double-track route with 22 stations and four container yards, connecting Chatturat with Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen and Nong Bua Lamphu.
For the rail sector, the projects would strengthen connectivity across Thailand's central and northeastern regions while providing additional infrastructure for passenger and freight movements. The Chatturat–Nong Bua Lamphu route presents particular engineering challenges because of mountainous terrain, including Khao Phang Hoei in Chaiyaphum, requiring a longer 540-day design and assessment programme.
Two additional projects remain at earlier stages. The approximately 250-km Mae Sot–Tak–Kamphaeng Phet–Nakhon Sawan double-track railway, valued at THB108.498 billion, has completed detailed design but is awaiting final environmental approval. Meanwhile, the 110-km Chumphon–Ranong railway, estimated at THB27.287 billion, remains subject to further government direction and would connect the Southern Line with Ranong Deep Sea Port.
Together, the four projects illustrate Thailand's broader approach to expanding regional rail connectivity through a combination of new lines, double-tracking and links to logistics infrastructure. If progressed through design, environmental approval and construction, the projects could improve access to inland economic centres while strengthening rail's role in domestic freight distribution and connections to major ports.
Source: The Nation
Thailand Advances Four Regional Rail Projects Toward Development
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Thailand is progressing a pipeline of regional railway projects aimed at strengthening domestic connectivity, freight capacity and links between economic centres and ports. The State Railway of Thailand has moved two proposed corridors into detailed design and environmental assessment, while two others await environmental or government approval.
