Phang Nga governor pushes for Phuket rail link

Plans for a game-changing rail link to Phuket are gathering steam—but officials are staying tight-lipped. Phang Nga Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai has just held a high-level meeting to review the ambitious project connecting Tha Noon in Takua Thung district to Phuket International Airport.

The proposed 18-kilometre railway, expected to feature four stations—Khok Kloi, Tha Noon, Mai Khao, and Phuket International Airport—could transform travel in the region, according to a report by the National Broadcasting of Thailand (NBT).

Despite the buzz, the details are a bit murky. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has hired a consulting firm to handle the feasibility study but surprisingly, neither the SRT nor the Phang Nga Provincial Public Relations office has offered any specifics on what was discussed in the recent meeting.

The consulting firm, whose name has yet to be revealed, is in the process of gathering data from local communities in Phang Nga and Phuket.

“This information will be used to develop a comprehensive project plan to present to the Cabinet for further consideration.”

Phuket officials have also been cagey about one crucial element of the project—a bridge that will connect the mainland to the island. The only detail revealed so far is that 80 million baht has been earmarked for a feasibility study as part of the new Sarasin Bridge project, which is set to feature a dual-track railway, reported Phuket News.

In related news, the Northern train route in Thailand underwent temporary changes due to severe flooding in the region. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, announced on September 26 that the SRT has adjusted the starting and ending stations from Chiang Mai to Lampang until the situation improves.

In other news, plans are underway for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to introduce a light rail system in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok, with an overall budget of 77 billion baht.