Thailand’s Transport Ministry will spend $8.7bn expanding double-tracked railways next year, the Bangkok Post reports.

Transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said six projects would lay 1,312km of new track.

These plus the $10bn second phase of a high-speed line between Bangkok and Nong Khai brings next year’s expected rail expenditure in the country to nearly $19bn.

The Railway Supply website notes that second tracks would help Thailand act as a regional logistics hub between China and Southeast Asia.

The six projects have been approved by the Budget Bureau and are awaiting review by the Finance Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

A green light is expected next month.

The six routes are:

• Pak Nam Pho to Den Chai (281km, $2.4bn)
• Chira Junction to Ubon Ratchathani (308km, $1.3bn)
• Hat Yai to Padang Besar (45km, $230m)
• Chumphon to Surat Thani (168km, $890m)
• Surat Thani to Hat Yai-Songkhla (321km, $1.9bn)
• Den Chai to Chiang Mai (189km, $2bn)

In addition to these projects, the 357km second phase of a high-speed line between Bangkok and Nong Khai, which is worth $10bn, is under review by the Finance Ministry and the NESDC.

Bidding on this project is expected to begin some time in 2025.