As Thailand aims to solidify its position as a regional transportation hub, the appointment of Surayud Chulanont as the Minister of Transport marks a significant step towards advancing various infrastructure projects across the country. Surayud, who has been serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport since September 10, 2567, expressed his commitment to driving Thailand towards becoming a key player in regional transportation.
Advancing Rail Transportation
Over the past year, the Ministry of Transport has made substantial progress in several key areas, particularly in the realm of rail transportation. One notable achievement is the implementation of the policy to cap the fare for urban trains at 20 baht per trip. This initiative, which was rolled out on the Bangkok Mass Transit System’s Red Line and Purple Line in October 2566, has been well-received by the public. Ridership on these lines has increased by 26.39%, indicating a positive response from commuters.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to extend the 20 baht fare policy to other rail lines to reduce costs and improve travel time for passengers. By offering affordable fares, the government aims to create equal opportunities for all citizens to access public transportation. Additionally, ongoing projects such as the construction of new rail lines are being expedited to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of land-based transportation.
One significant project in the pipeline is the completion of the M6 motorway connecting Bang Pa-In, Saraburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima. This project, which has faced delays under previous administrations, is now on track to be completed within the set timeline, allowing for expanded services to the public. Similarly, efforts are underway to accelerate the construction of the M81 motorway linking Bang Yai and Kanchanaburi, further improving connectivity within the country.
Enhancing Water Transportation
The Ministry of Transport is also focusing on improving water transportation through initiatives such as the Smart Pier program. By promoting efficient connections between land, rail, and water transport modes, the government aims to enhance overall transportation networks. Furthermore, plans are in place to develop cruise terminals in Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand ports, with a proposal expected to be submitted for review by the National Economic and Social Development Council in early 2568.
Efforts to strengthen inter-modal transport links with neighboring countries are also underway, with the Department of Highways fast-tracking the construction of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 5 (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamxai) to ensure its operational readiness by 2568. These initiatives demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity and facilitating smoother cross-border trade and travel.
Aviation Infrastructure Development
In line with the government’s aviation hub policy, Thailand is striving to elevate Suvarnabhumi Airport into the top 20 airports globally by 2572. This ambitious goal encompasses the modernization of airports nationwide to accommodate the anticipated growth in the tourism sector. Additionally, the Landbridge project is currently undergoing feasibility studies, preliminary design work, environmental impact assessments, and various model analyses, with the expectation that the State Enterprise Commission Act will be enforced by the end of 2568, paving the way for the project’s phase one construction by the end of 2573.
Surayud emphasized the Ministry of Transport’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safety across all projects, with recent efforts focusing on standardizing safety measures during construction. The implementation of contractor performance evaluation books has already begun, with ongoing coordination with central accounting offices to enforce disciplinary actions or disqualifications for contractors who fail to meet ministry standards.
As Thailand continues to push forward with its regional transportation ambitions, Surayud’s leadership at the Ministry of Transport is poised to drive significant advancements in infrastructure development across the country. With a comprehensive roadmap in place and a dedicated team at the helm, Thailand is well-positioned to realize its vision of becoming a key player in regional transportation in the years to come.