Siripong revealed that the Cabinet will soon approve six double-track railway routes, with immediate construction starting on three routes in the southern region. The other three routes will be proposed for principle approval before continuing study. He emphasized that regular budget funds will be used for construction.
On 1 September 2026, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, disclosed the submission of six second-phase double-track railway projects to the Cabinet meeting. He affirmed that this infrastructure system is essential and must be implemented nationwide. The latest proposal includes six clearly defined routes for execution.
Mr. Siripong stated that for the three double-track railway projects in the southern region, construction has already been approved since these projects are fully prepared with complete information. Therefore, construction can begin immediately upon approval, including the following routes:
1. The Chumphon–Surat Thani section.
2. The Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla section (including Surat Thani–Hat Yai and Hat Yai–Songkhla).
3. The Hat Yai–Padang Besar section, which will significantly improve cross-border trade efficiency between Thailand and Malaysia.
For the three routes in the Northeast (Isan) and North regions—Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai, Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani, and Den Chai–Chiang Mai—the plan is to propose principle approval to the Cabinet today to allow the projects to proceed. Previously, additional data was submitted to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for consideration.
Regarding funding sources for the double-track railway projects, Mr. Siripong explained that regular budget funds will be used because this is fundamental infrastructure the state must provide nationwide. This differs from urban rail projects, which often use public-private partnerships (PPP).
“This project must be done because double-track railways are essential infrastructure that will connect and cover all regions of Thailand in the future.”