Bangkok: "Pipat" showcases his vision for Asia Pacific Rail 2026, highlighting high-speed rail and land bridges as economic hubs. Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, announced a significant commitment at the Asia Pacific Rail 2026 regional event, reinforcing the government's goal under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to upgrade the "rail system" as a core driver of infrastructure, economic development, and logistics connectivity for the country and the ASEAN region.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was attended by high-ranking executives from key agencies under the Ministry of Transport and related organizations, demonstrating their commitment and readiness to implement policies. Among those present were Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport; Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand; Mr. Kajphajon Udomthamphakdi, Governor of the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand; and Air Vice Marshal Nathawut Yuthong, expert from the International Standard Rail System Research and Development Institute, at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center.
Mr. Pipat spoke about the key takeaways from the opening ceremony, reflecting the government and the Ministry of Transport's commitment to developing comprehensive travel and transportation infrastructure to ensure convenient, fast, safe, and cost-effective travel for the public. This is supported by clear and concrete action plans.
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating the development of the nationwide railway network, particularly the double-track and high-speed rail projects. Six lines from Phase 1 (over 993 km) are already operational, and Phase 2, comprising another seven lines (totaling 1,479 km), is underway. A key highlight, the high-speed rail line between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, is expected to be completed and operational by 2028. Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai) is currently preparing for the bidding process to ensure complete connectivity.
In addition, the Ministry of Transport is moving forward with the master plan for 14 rail lines (totaling 554 km), of which over 280 km are currently operational. The Orange and Southern Purple lines, currently under construction, are also being accelerated. Furthermore, EMV Contactless payment technology is being implemented, allowing passengers to travel across rail lines and other public transportation with a single card, addressing the needs of a cashless lifestyle and sustainably improving quality of life.
The government is also studying the "Land Bridge" project and cross-border connectivity, aiming to connect the Gulf of Thailand (Chumphon) and the Andaman Sea (Ranong) ports via rail and highways to reduce transportation time and costs. Simultaneously, the government is focusing on developing cross-border railway networks (Thailand-Malaysia and Thailand-Laos-China) to attract investment and create new economic opportunities with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the Thailand Rail Technology Research and Development Institute (TRRI) is accelerating technology transfer and promoting domestic production of train components. It is also open to public-private partnerships (PPPs) from both domestic and international companies to utilize clean energy technologies and green innovations, aligning with the global goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr. Pipat concluded by saying that presenting this vision at the Asia Pacific Rail 2026 forum is a significant step demonstrating to the Thai people and the global community that the government and the Ministry of Transport are serious about upgrading rail infrastructure to transform Thailand into one of the strongest and most sustainable transportation hubs in the Asia Pacific region.