Thailand’s Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, is driving forward the country’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, focusing on high-speed rail development, expressways, and the upgrade of electric bus systems. These actions are part of a decisive strategy to improve nationwide connectivity and modernise the Thai transport network.
After a high-level policy meeting on June 10, Suriya revealed that by the end of May, the Ministry of Transport had already allocated 93 billion baht from its total 212.21 billion baht budget for the 2025 fiscal year. A substantial portion of this spending is dedicated to expediting the Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed rail project and other major infrastructure developments.
The Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed rail line, designed to eventually connect Bangkok to Laos via Nakhon Ratchasima, is making steady progress. Phase 1 of the project, which runs from Bangkok to Korat, is nearly halfway completed, with civil engineering works reaching 43.79%. However, progress in system installation, rolling stock acquisition, and staff training remains limited, currently recorded at just 0.95%.
Preparations for Phase 2, covering a 357.12-kilometre stretch from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, are underway. The ministry is finalising the bidding documents for eight contracts that cover both civil construction and railway systems, with the phase backed by a budget of 341.35 billion baht.
In addition to the high-speed rail line, several key infrastructure projects are pending cabinet approval:
-
Phuket Expressway Phase 1: A 3.98-kilometre segment from Kathu to Patong, with a projected cost of 16.76 billion baht.
-
Electric Bus Fleet Modernisation: A 15.36 billion baht initiative to lease 1,520 electric buses, aimed at revamping the aging public transport fleet.
The ministry is also moving to consolidate two urban rail extensions—the Red Line (Taling Chan–Salaya) and the Light Red Line (Taling Chan–Siriraj)—into a single procurement package. This integration seeks to streamline the expansion of urban rail systems in Bangkok.
Among 326 newly initiated procurement projects worth 24.18 billion baht, 86 contracts have already been signed, representing 1.31 billion baht in commitments. The remaining contracts are expected to be completed by August, reflecting the ministry’s determination to implement projects quickly and efficiently.
With substantial funding in place and momentum building, Minister Suriya and the Ministry of Transport are not only advancing plans but actively reshaping Thailand’s transport future. These strategic infrastructure investments are designed to strengthen national connectivity, positioning Thailand as a leader in sustainable and regionally integrated transport solutions.
