Investment in Thailand’s transport infrastructure for the future

Investment in Thailand’s transport infrastructure for the future

In his national address on 21 July 2017, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that, by 2022, Thai people in all regions of the country would benefit from the country’s investment for the future.

Regarding land transport, he said, highways with four lanes will be expanded, totaling 700 kilometers in length. Special highways between towns will also be expanded, from the existing 143 kilometers to 636 kilometers. 

Rural roads will be further developed to ease the traffic problem. More than 100 railway tunnels and five large bridges across rivers will be constructed.

Concerning rail transport, double-track railways will be expanded from 250 kilometers to more than 3,500 kilometers. Four rail lines will be developed, totaling 1,039 kilometers. Eleven more electric train routes will be added, totaling a length of 439 kilometers.

The Prime Minister explained that both land and rail transport development would encourage passengers to turn from private cars to public transport services. This would also ease traffic congestion, reduce road accidents, and save fuel energy.

As for waterway transport, Thailand will have five more coastal ports, bringing the existing number of ports in the country to 23. The development of Laem Chabang Port, Phase 3, in Chon Buri will increase container handling capacity from 11 million TEU to 18 million TEU a year.

This will save more than 100 billion baht in fuel oil a year and reduce logistics production costs, as well.

Concerning air transport, Betong airport in the southern border province of Yala will begin operations. U-Tapao, Don Mueang, and Suvarnabhumi airports will be upgraded, so that they will be able to accommodate 300,000 more flights a year. The number of passengers is expected to increase to 60 million annually.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for Thailand to work out plans to cope with greater demand for materials, equipment, and a workforce in the future. The transport infrastructure development will offer more options for travel among the people. It will also provide them with greater employment and income opportunities.

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