The Thai government has announced an ambitious infrastructure development plan for 2025-2026, aiming to establish the nation as a regional transport hub. Themed “Driving Transport Policy for Thailand’s Opportunities,” the initiative outlines 223 projects for 2025 with a budget allocation of 136.49 billion baht, and 64 projects for 2026 costing 116.96 billion baht. The plan emphasizes improvements in connectivity, safety, and sustainability across various transportation modes.
In 2025, the roadmap addresses five key transportation sectors:
- Road Transport: Fifty projects are slated, including the Chalong Rat Expressway extension and the Bangkok Outer Ring Road, known as “M9.” Additionally, measures are planned to alleviate traffic congestion in Phuket and Chiang Mai.
- Land Transport: Forty-one projects aim to enhance public transportation, such as the procurement of 1,520 electric buses, upgrades to bus terminals, and the implementation of congestion-based road usage fees in urban areas.
- Rail Transport: Sixty-nine projects focus on reducing logistics costs and expanding rail networks. This includes the introduction of three new Red Line suburban train routes and a capped metro fare of 20 baht per trip.
- Water Transport: Twenty-six projects are designed to support shipping and tourism. Key developments include 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: Thirty-seven projects aim to expand airport capacity, featuring Phase 2 expansions of Chiang Mai and Phuket airports, and preparations for seaplane operations to enhance connectivity.
The 2026 initiatives will build upon these efforts, introducing motorways, expressways, and rail projects such as Phase 2 of the Thai-China high-speed rail and Phase 2 of the Phuket Expressway. Maritime projects will address beach erosion, while aviation plans include the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport with a new South Terminal.
This strategic vision is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and economic development. Notably, the government is also pursuing the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) project, a massive infrastructure initiative worth approximately US$29.35 billion, aimed at improving transportation links between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit provided detailed insights into these comprehensive projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s infrastructure landscape.
