"Sanphet" is pushing the new double-track railway project "Chumphon-Ranong Port" to connect the Andaman Sea port, opening Thailand's gateway to the Andaman region.
On 29 July 2026, Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed efforts to promote the new double-track railway project from Chumphon to Ranong Port to complete a crucial missing link in Thailand's rail network. This aligns with policies from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. The goal is to enhance integrated transport across rail, road, ports, and airports to boost the country's competitiveness.
Mr. Sanphet stated that the project spans approximately 110 kilometers with an investment exceeding 27 billion baht. Although a relatively short route, it is like the final puzzle piece connecting the main railway networks from the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions directly to the deep-sea port on the Andaman side for the first time. This will reduce cargo transfers to trucks, cutting costs and transit times efficiently.
Moreover, it will offer Thailand transport options on both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman sides, linking to BIMSTEC member countries, the Middle East, and Africa via the Indian Ocean. Locally, it will stimulate the economies of Chumphon and Ranong provinces through job creation, warehouse investments, and easier access for southern agricultural and fishery products to global markets.
Regarding implementation, Mr. Sanphet confirmed a thorough review of cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and the location study for Ranong Port to accommodate large vessels, along with gathering public feedback from all sectors. Currently, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has completed the detailed design and is submitting the EIA report. If approved this year, bidding could start as early as 2027, laying a stable foundation for the country’s economic growth.