Bangkok: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is enhancing travel to key tourist destinations, such as Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan, by reinforcing the success of the southern double-track railway project. SRT’s initiatives are part of a broader rail tourism marketing plan aimed at generating over 72 million baht in revenue by 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, SRT recently led a group of journalists to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to review the progress of the double-track railway construction and to promote rail travel as a tourism destination. The event was attended by Mr. Anan Pho Nim Daeng, Deputy Governor of SRT, Acting Governor of SRT, Mr. Sittichai Sawat Saen, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, along with government officials, SRT executives, and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Office.
Mr. Anan stated that SRT has expedited infrastructure development in alignment with the plan, focusing on reforming the rail transport system to increase travel and freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and build public confidence. The first phase of the double-track railway project includes seven routes, with five routes already operational.
The Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho section, spanning 148 kilometers, opened in May 2025 and is expected to be fully operational by December 5, 2025. Meanwhile, the Map Kabao-Chum Thong Jira Road section is anticipated to be fully operational in 2027.
Additionally, SRT is advancing a new dual-line project to connect regional trade. The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong section is progressing 3-4% ahead of schedule, while the Ban Phai-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom section is 61.095% complete. However, land expropriation issues have caused delays in the handover of construction sites.
The second phase of the double-track railway project includes the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai section, intended to connect the Thai-Laos-China high-speed railway. This phase began in April 2025 but is progressing slower than planned. Six other Phase 2 routes have been submitted to the Cabinet for approval, including the new Surat Thani-Phang Nga-Tha Nun section awaiting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review.
The Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon section, connecting major tourist destinations like Cha-am and Hua Hin, is now fully operational with an electronic token system. The overall project progress is 72.491%, with full operation expected by 2026, significantly reducing travel time to the South.
SRT plans to expand the route to the lower southern region, connecting the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar stations will be developed into cargo transport hubs to stimulate the regional economy.
SRT is committed to developing tourist trains to promote rail tourism and encourage travel across the region. In fiscal year 2025, 186,488 tourists used the service, generating 72.13 million baht in revenue. The Royal Blossom train and the KIHA 183 train were the highest earners.
For fiscal year 2026, SRT plans to expand its market by allowing public and private sectors to charter trains for self-guided trips. The “Scenic Routes” and “Luxury Routes” projects aim to promote domestic tourism and strengthen the grassroots economy.
The collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province aims to develop rail travel for tourism and maximize land use efficiency. Initial efforts focus on connecting SRT areas in Hua Hin District, with potential expansion to other areas like Pran Buri and Kui Buri. This cooperation is expected to boost the local economy and revitalize Hua Hin as a major tourist destination.