BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has unveiled a key infrastructure development plan for 2025-2026, aiming to transform the country into a regional transport hub.
The initiative, themed “Driving Transport Policy for Thailand’s Opportunities,” encompasses 223 projects in 2025 with a budget of 136.49 billion baht and 64 projects in 2026 costing 116.96 billion baht. The plan focuses on enhancing connectivity, safety, and sustainability across multiple modes of transport.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the details, highlighting the comprehensive scope of the projects. For 2025, the roadmap covers five key dimensions of transport. Road transport will include 50 projects, such as the Chalong Rat Expressway extension, Bangkok Outer Ring Road, also known as “M9,” and measures to alleviate traffic issues in Phuket and Chiang Mai.
Land transport initiatives will involve 41 projects to enhance public transportation, including acquiring 1,520 electric buses, upgrading bus terminals, and implementing congestion-based road usage fees in urban areas. Rail transport leads with 69 projects, focusing on reducing logistics costs and expanding networks, including three new Red Line suburban train routes and a capped metro fare of 20 baht per trip.
In water transport, 26 projects will support shipping and tourism, featuring Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port, new cruise terminals in Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket, and upgrades to 29 public piers along the Chao Phraya River. Air transport will see 37 projects to expand airport capacity, including Phase 2 expansions of Chiang Mai and Phuket airports and preparations for seaplane operations to boost connectivity.
The 2026 initiatives will build on these efforts, featuring motorways, expressways, and rail projects such as Phase 2 of the Thai-China high-speed rail and Phase 2 of Phuket Expressway.
Maritime efforts will address beach erosion, while aviation plans include the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport with a new South Terminal. This strategic vision aims to propel Thailand’s infrastructure development to new heights. (NNT)
