Thailand Advances 12.54km Songkhla Monorail Following Cabinet Approval
Thailand has taken an important step towards developing a new urban rail system in the southern province of Songkhla, after the Cabinet approved in principle a draft royal decree authorising the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to operate a monorail in the province.
The decision, announced on 5 August 2026, provides the legal framework needed for MRTA to progress the proposed 12.54km Songkhla Monorail, which is planned to serve Hat Yai and key economic and high-demand areas in southern Thailand.
12 Stations Planned
The proposed first phase will comprise:
- 12.54km of monorail
- 12 stations
- One depot and maintenance centre
- Three major intermodal transfer locations
- Park-and-ride and passenger pick-up/drop-off facilities at selected stations
The route is planned to run from Khlong Wa in Hat Yai to the Van Terminal, providing a new public transport corridor through the urban area.
The depot and maintenance centre will be located at Khlong Wa station.
Three stations — Khlong Wa, Kho Hong and Van Terminal — are planned as important interchange points, allowing passengers to transfer between the monorail and other transport services.
Stations are planned as three-level structures positioned around the central reservation of the road, with facilities designed to integrate the monorail with other modes of transport.
Supporting Hat Yai’s Transport Network
The project is intended to improve public transport connectivity in and around Hat Yai while reducing dependence on road transport.The system is expected to serve passengers travelling from surrounding areas of Hat Yai as well as neighbouring parts of southern Thailand
.Integration measures planned for the project include passenger drop-off and pick-up areas and park-and-ride facilities designed to encourage travellers to transfer from private vehicles to public transport.
MRTA to Update Studies and Prepare Tender Documentation
Following the Cabinet decision, the Ministry of Transport and MRTA are expected to update the project’s existing feasibility and design studies, undertake further site surveys and prepare detailed documentation for future procurement.
The draft royal decree will first be reviewed by Thailand’s Office of the Council of State before the necessary subsequent procedures are completed.
The Cabinet has also instructed the Ministry of Transport to consider comments from relevant government agencies, including the National Economic and Social Development Council and Budget Bureau.
The Budget Bureau has recommended examining an appropriate public-private partnership (PPP) model and the level of government investment required for the project.
Potential Extension to Hat Yai International Airport
MRTA is also expected to study a second-phase extension of approximately 9.87km to Hat Yai International Airport.
Such an extension would significantly improve integration between Hat Yai’s future urban rail network and one of southern Thailand’s principal aviation gateways.
The Songkhla project would expand MRTA’s activities beyond Bangkok and forms part of Thailand’s broader efforts to develop mass-transit systems in major regional cities.
Project at a glance
Country: Thailand
Province: Songkhla
City: Hat Yai
System: Monorail / Urban Rail Transit
Phase 1 Length: 12.54km
Stations: 12
Depot: Khlong Wa
Major Interchanges: Khlong Wa, Kho Hong and Van Terminal
Proposed Phase 2: Approximately 9.87km to Hat Yai International Airport
Project Authority: Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA)
Current Status: Cabinet approval in principle for draft royal decree authorising MRTA operations in Songkhla
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