The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is set to advance Songkhla province’s Hat Yai monorail project after the cabinet approved its authority to operate rail services in the province.
The decision paves the way for a study of a 9.87-kilometre Phase 2 extension to Hat Yai International Airport.
The cabinet on Aug 5 approved the principle of a draft royal decree adding Songkhla to the provinces in which the MRTA is authorised to operate rail services. The decision gives the MRTA a formal mandate to pursue the project and marks a key step towards implementation.
MRTA governor Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi said the MRTA would study Phase 2, extending the route from the passenger van terminal to Hat Yai airport to complete Songkhla’s rail network and improve connectivity between the city and airport.
Phase 1 will be a 12.54km monorail from Khlong Hwa in Hat Yai district to the van terminal, with 12 stations and a maintenance centre at Khlong Hwa. Phase 2 would add 9.87km, bringing the total route length to 22.41km.
Niphon Bunyamanee, former president of the Songkhla provincial administrative organisation, recently met Mr Gardphajon to thank the MRTA for advancing the project and discuss the Phase 2 study.
Mr Niphon, also a former deputy interior minister, said the Hat Yai rail project was an initiative he had promoted while serving as provincial administration president.
The organisation had commissioned a feasibility and design study but lacked the budget to undertake a major rail project, prompting him to seek the MRTA’s involvement.
The Transport Ministry, MRTA and provincial administration subsequently agreed that the MRTA should take over the project and update the existing study.
Mr Niphon said future urban development should prioritise moving people rather than cars into cities, helping reduce traffic and improve public transport. He also called for elevated structures and drainage systems to be designed to accommodate Hat Yai’s flood risks.
“If completed, the Hat Yai monorail would be more than a public transport system. It would be key infrastructure supporting investment, tourism and the southern economy, while providing more efficient and sustainable travel,” Mr Niphon said.
