Siripong Angkasukolkul, Deputy Minister of Transport, conducted an official inspection in Udon Thani Province, accelerating projects on highways, rural roads, the Bus Terminal, and the double-track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai in preparation for the 2026 World Horticultural Expo.
Recently, Siripong Angkasukolkul, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed after inspecting Udon Thani's infrastructure that efforts are underway to enhance road and rail transport capacity to support public travel. Accompanying him were Thanachai Sindhupr, advisor to the Deputy Minister; Kochasak Siriratmanawong, assistant secretary to the Minister; Jirapong Thepphitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport; Sermsak Nainan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Highways; Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport; Aditep Tiramatsavanich, Chief Engineer (Road and Bridge Maintenance) of the Department of Rural Roads; representatives from the Department of Land Transport; and executives from affiliated transport agencies. They were welcomed by Jakraphan Chantrapoom, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani; Adisak Kaewmungkhunsap, Member of Parliament for Udon Thani District 6; local officials; community leaders; and over 500 residents at the City Pillar Shrine in Sri That District, Udon Thani.
Siripong said this visit was assigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn to monitor the progress of key projects and listen to the problems faced by Udon Thani residents. The aim is to discuss solutions with relevant agencies to effectively alleviate public difficulties.
Udon Thani is a strategic area with transport networks connecting multiple provinces and neighboring countries. Discussions were held with Ministry of Transport agencies and related bodies to review and drive key transport projects locally. Regarding roads, the Department of Highways reported progress on Highway 2023 from Nam Khong to Sri That to Wang Sam Mo (km 36+000 to 37+000) at over 66% completion. Plans also include widening shoulders on Highways 227, 2023, and 2239 and adding lanes on Highway 2023 to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.
Siripong added that the Department of Rural Roads plans to develop road networks in Wang Sam Mo, Sri That, and Chai Wan districts across 10 projects totaling 99.719 million baht. A key ongoing project is the construction of the Lam Huai Yang bridge in Wang Sam Mo District, a reinforced concrete bridge 180 meters long and 10 meters wide, with 1.342 kilometers of approach roads. Budgeted at 64.67 million baht and currently 79.26% complete, this aims to resolve seasonal flooding that cuts off routes, improve agricultural transport of sugarcane, rubber, and cassava, and enhance travel safety. Completion and public opening are expected by year-end.
Additionally, transport routes and tourism roads are being developed to support the 2026 Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo. Road A.D. 3090, connecting Highway 210 to Ban Bo Nam on the right side in Mueang District, is being upgraded to a two-lane paved road over 9.5 kilometers, 6 to 7 meters wide with shoulders ranging from zero to 2.5 meters on each side. The 49 million baht project is currently over 98.68% complete, ahead of schedule, serving as a route along the irrigation canal to support travel, improve road transport management, and reduce traffic congestion during the international event.
Siripong also inspected Highway 2239 from Sri That to Chai Wan, listening to public concerns about transport infrastructure projects. Community leaders and residents complained about narrow roads without shoulders and frequent accidents affecting safety and agricultural product transport. The project awaits budget approval for 2028. He assigned the Department of Highways to proceed with design and construction, emphasizing consideration of the local context and community lifestyle to improve travel safety.
He visited Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 to review public transport services. The Deputy Minister stressed stricter checks on buses and drivers, including alcohol and drug testing before duty, and ordered safety standard upgrades, traffic organization within the terminal, and passenger convenience, especially during peak travel seasons. The Department of Land Transport was instructed to inspect operators and routes (categories 3 and 4) not currently serving and to consider route expansion for wider coverage, ensuring passenger safety and service confidence.
Siripong also visited Udon Thani railway station to review operations and public service, as well as monitor progress on the Khon Kaen to Nong Khai double-track railway project and address construction issues during the World Horticultural Expo. The province requested a temporary halt to construction during the event. The State Railway of Thailand will adjust its construction plan, prepare temporary platforms and level crossings to avoid disrupting the expo. Budget allocation is pending from the Office of the Budget via Udon Thani Province. Additionally, discussions were held on managing overlapping areas with the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai), including building a U-turn overpass bridge and connecting pedestrian walkways between rail systems.
The State Railway of Thailand will revise the construction schedule and arrange temporary platforms and level crossings to minimize impact on the expo. Currently, budget allocation from the National Economic and Social Development Council is awaited before proceeding. The budget request is pending approval through Udon Thani Province.
The Khon Kaen to Nong Khai double-track railway project spans 167 kilometers with a budget of 28.679 billion baht, including 14 stations and three container yard (CY) terminals at Non Phayom, Nong Takai, and Na Tha. Expected completion is April 2028. As of 25 July 2026, cumulative progress stands at 9.591%, behind schedule by 2.683%.
The Minister of Transport has instructed all local and Ministry of Transport agencies to collaborate with the province to prepare, facilitate, and develop all aspects—transport, landscape improvements, and more—to be excellent hosts of the 2026 Udon Thani World Horticultural Expo. The Ministry will continue to push key projects in Udon Thani to tangible results, upgrading transport infrastructure to be efficient, standardized, and safer, supporting future economic and social growth. This will enhance public convenience, speed, safety in travel, and strengthen national competitiveness.
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