"Panya" led a team in talks with the World Bank to advance ‘PPP, integrated ticketing, and green transport,’ while accelerating the new M84-M61 motorway. The focus is on safety to enhance the country’s competitiveness, aiming to upgrade Thailand’s transport system to be modern, safe, and sustainable by 2027.
26 May 2026 – Mr. Panya Chupanit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and head of the transport mission group, represented the Ministry of Transport in welcoming and holding discussions with Ms. Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee, Director of Infrastructure for East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank, regarding cooperation on infrastructure and transport system development in Thailand.Includingfinancial loan assistance from the World Bank, with executives from related agencies participating in the meeting.
Mr. Panya said that the discussions reviewed progress on key cooperation areas to enhance Thailand’s transport system efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness, such as studying public-private partnership (PPP) models and developing transit-oriented development (TOD) around mass transit stations for urban rail projects in major provinces, currently under consideration for technical support from the World Bank. They also discussed advancing integrated ticketing systems for public transport.
The goal isfor the public to use a single card to connect across all urban rail lines by 2027. Cooperation on developing environmentally friendly transport projects aims to reduce carbon emissions and ensure sustainability. They also emphasized integrating cooperation to reduce accidents by applying internationally recognized safety assessment tools, including ThaiRAP and iRAP. The Ministry of Transport is fully prepared to work closely with the World Bank to exchange knowledge, experience, and apply global best practices to develop Thailand’s transport network.
Regarding progress on key projects under the cooperation framework between the Thai government and the World Bank to enhance economic connectivity and develop sustainable infrastructure, ongoing joint projects include the M84 motorway (Hat Yai – Thai/Malaysian border), with feasibility studies and detailed designs completed and investment models under review; the M61 motorway (Prachinburi – Nakhon Ratchasima) prioritized for accelerated development; and the Thailand Resilient Infrastructure Project (TRIP), which focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure and environmental conservation. TRIP includes constructing the Songkhla Lake bridge and a bridge connecting Koh Lanta.
Mr. Panya stated that the Ministry of Transport reaffirms its commitment to closely collaborate with the World Bank to drive Thailand’s infrastructure and transport systems toward modernity and sustainability aligned with international standards, which will help increasethe country’s competitivenessand improve the quality of life for the population in the long term.
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