The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is set to develop a light rail system in four provinces: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok, with a total budget of 77 billion baht.
Deputy MRTA Governor Wittaya Phanmongkol announced yesterday that the estimated costs for the projects are 35 billion baht for Phuket, 30 billion baht for Chiang Mai, 7 billion baht for Nakhon Ratchasima, and approximately 5 billion baht for Phitsanulok.
He noted that comparative studies on various project models and investment options will be presented to the Office of the Commission for the Management of Road Traffic.
Bidding for these projects is anticipated to commence in 2026 and conclude by 2027, with construction slated to start around 2028.
In addition, Mr. Wittaya mentioned that the MRTA is developing the 22-kilometer Brown Line, which will connect Khae Rai in Nonthaburi to Lam Sali (Bueng Kum) in Bangkok. This 42-billion-baht project is currently under review, with a flat fare policy of 20 baht being considered. The findings of this study will soon be submitted to the newly appointed MRTA board, according to Mr. Wittaya.
The bidding process for the construction of the Brown Line is expected to take place in 2025, with work starting in 2026 and services likely to begin in 2029.
Since its establishment 32 years ago, the MRTA has launched four electric train lines, spanning about 150 kilometers and covering nearly all areas of Bangkok. Current routes include the Blue Line from Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong to Lak Song, the Purple Line from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai, the Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong, and the Pink Line from Khae Rai to Min Buri.
Three extensions are currently under construction: the Si Rat-Muang Thong Thani section of the Pink Line, the Tao Poon-Rat Burana section of the Purple Line, and the Bang Khun Non-Thailand Cultural Centre, which is the western segment of the Orange Line.
The Pink Line extension is expected to be completed by mid-2025, while the Purple Line is projected to finish in 2028.
However, Mr. Wittaya noted that the construction of the Orange Line’s western section presents significant challenges, as it will traverse central Bangkok, historic areas, and the Chao Phraya River.
He also mentioned that the MRTA plans to transfer plots of public land managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to private contractors starting this year.
