Analyzing the major mission of the new Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, including the stalled mega-projects worth 830 billion baht

Article By: thansettakij.com

From the recruitment of a new Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)—the 21st in its history—the application period was open from 22 November to 8 December 2025. Only two candidates applied. The selection results have now been approved, with Anan Phonimdaeng chosen. He currently serves as Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand and Acting Governor of SRT, and is in the process of negotiating his compensation.

The missions awaiting the new top executive are considered the most critical turning point in SRT’s history, as he will be responsible for mega infrastructure projects with a combined value of 830 billion baht, alongside resolving long-standing land issues that affect the organisation’s stability.

Unlocking the High-Speed Rail – 3 Airports Project

The first mission that the new SRT Governor must carry forward is accelerating solutions to the Thai–Chinese high-speed railway project. At present, two contracts are awaiting signing:

• Contract 4-5, Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo section, valued at 10,325.90 million baht, which has been delayed due to revisions to the Ayutthaya station design.

As for Contract 4-1, the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, efforts are underway to push the Cabinet to approve amendments to the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports contract. This is a key condition tied to overlapping shared-area structures.

Advancing Double-Track Rail Phase 2

The second mission is to push forward the Phase 2 double-track railway project, comprising six routes with a total investment of 297 billion baht. The project is currently awaiting inclusion on the Cabinet agenda by the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC) for approval.

The six Phase 2 double-track routes include:

• Chumphon–Surat Thani, 168 km, 30,422 million baht
• Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla, 321 km, 66,270 million baht
• Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar, 45 km, 7,772 million baht
• Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai, 281 km, 81,143 million baht
• Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani, 308 km, 44,095 million baht
• Den Chai–Chiang Mai, 189 km, 68,222 million baht

Revitalizing Commercial Land

The third mission involves managing commercial land through SRT Asset to generate revenue and resolve accumulated debt of over 280 billion baht. The focus is on increasing income through commercial land management via subsidiaries, opening opportunities for private-sector joint investment, and accelerating the procurement of new rolling stock to enhance competitiveness.

The main goals are to increase passenger and freight revenues and reduce debt. Long-term targets include increasing passenger revenue fourfold and freight revenue fivefold, enabling SRT to become the best rail service provider in ASEAN by 2027.

Previously, SRT planned to develop its commercial land holdings covering 38,000 rai, valued at more than 300 billion baht, which were transferred to its subsidiary, SRT Asset Co., Ltd. (SRTA), in 2022 to auction high-potential plots and generate income.

A key selling point is Bang Sue Grand Station (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal)—the largest rail transportation hub in ASEAN—which is expected to attract investors for mixed-use commercial development.

[Original article ผ่าภารกิจใหญ่ผู้ว่าการรถไฟฯ คนใหม่ กับเมกะโปรเจ็กต์ค้างท่อ 8.3 แสนล้าน at thansettakij.com. Translation by ChatGPT.]