Thailand has planned a high-speed rail (HSR) line connecting Bangkok to Hua Hin (a distance of about 211 km) as part of its national HSR network. This proposed southern line would run on standard-gauge tracks with trains up to 250 km/h, separate from the existing meter-gauge railway (Bangkok – Hua Hin High-Speed Railway).
The project is still in the planning stage – no construction has started as of early 2025. Key preparatory steps have been taken, including completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and initial approval processes. By late 2017, the EIA for the Bangkok–Hua Hin route was approved, and authorities were preparing to invite private investors to build-operate the line (estimated cost ~฿95 billion) ().
However, the project faced delays due to viability concerns. In 2019–2020, a feasibility study raised doubts about cost-effectiveness, noting the line would require about 20,000 passengers per day to break even, and the plan was temporarily shelved (Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport resurrects plans for a high speed train to Hua Hin – Thailand Construction and Engineering News). The government subsequently revived the project: the Department of Rail Transport commissioned a new study in 2021 to re-examine the Bangkok–Hua Hin HSR as part of a post-pandemic infrastructure push (Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport resurrects plans for a high speed train to Hua Hin – Thailand Construction and Engineering News). This updated study was completed in 2022 and presented to policymakers for approval (Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport resurrects plans for a high speed train to Hua Hin – Thailand Construction and Engineering News).
Expected Completion Date and Operational Timeline
After reviewing the new feasibility results, Thailand’s government confirmed in late 2022 that the Bangkok–Hua Hin high-speed line will go forward. The line is planned as Phase 1 of a southern high-speed railway, with an expected completion by 2032 (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032). According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Phase 1 will include five stations (Bangkok’s Bang Sue* terminal – now Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal – plus Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Hua Hin) over 211 km (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032). If this timeline holds, operations could begin in the early 2030s. Phase 2 of the project, which would extend high-speed service from Hua Hin further south to the Thai–Malaysia border (Padang Besar) over an additional 759 km, is envisioned by 2037 (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032).
It’s important to note that these dates are targets based on current plans. The Bangkok–Hua Hin HSR is a public–private partnership (PPP) project and is still awaiting final investment decisions and contract bidding. As of now, the project remains in the design and financing stage (officially “preliminary/planning/announced”) (High Speed Rail in Southeast Asia: Connecting to China - Southeast Asia Infrastructure). Government officials have indicated the line is a priority for improving connectivity and tourism, but meeting the 2032 operational goal will depend on timely procurement and construction progress. No contractor has been appointed yet, though the government’s announcement signals a commitment to proceed (Hua Hin to get high speed train by 2032 - Hua Hin and Cha-Am News - Thailand News, Travel & Forum - ASEAN NOW). We can expect further updates once the project moves into the bidding or construction phase.
Recent Developments and Official Statements
Government Reaffirmation (2022): In October 2022, the Thai government publicly confirmed Hua Hin as a destination in the country’s new high-speed rail program. This ended uncertainty over the project’s inclusion. Officials announced that the Bangkok–Hua Hin segment is slated for completion by 2032, as mentioned, and highlighted Hua Hin’s importance as a regional transport link (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032) (Hua Hin to get high speed train by 2032 - Hua Hin and Cha-Am News - Thailand News, Travel & Forum - ASEAN NOW). The plan was presented as part of Thailand’s long-term strategy to boost economic growth and tourism through improved rail infrastructure, eventually creating a high-speed route from Bangkok through Hua Hin to Malaysia (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032).
Transport Ministry / SRT Statements: The State Railway of Thailand and the Ministry of Transport have periodically commented on this project. Early statements emphasized the need for private investment and ridership growth to justify the line (). After the 2021–2022 study, officials adopted a more optimistic tone. For instance, a source at the Department of Rail Transport noted that integrating Hua Hin into the HSR network would support a “seamless” national transport system and boost the economy in the post-COVID recovery (Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport resurrects plans for a high speed train to Hua Hin – Thailand Construction and Engineering News). In media interviews, SRT executives have also pointed out that Hua Hin’s popularity as a tourist destination means a high-speed link could spur additional weekend travel and development (). These statements underscore that beyond just travel time savings, the project is seen as a catalyst for regional development.
Current Government Outlook (2023–2024): With a new government taking office in late 2023, there have been questions about whether all planned HSR lines will continue. The Bangkok–Hua Hin line is still on the agenda, but the administration is reviewing major infrastructure commitments (ส่องอนาคต 'ไฮสปีดเทรน 2 สายเหนือ-ใต้' ลุ้น 'เศรษฐา' กดปุ่มไปต่อหรือพอแค่นี้?). As of early 2024, no cancellation or change has been announced for this project; it remains part of Thailand’s approved rail expansion roadmap (Thailand’s New High Speed Train is Coming to Hua Hin by 2032). We may hear updated timelines or budgeting details if the Cabinet revisits the project. For now, the 2032 completion target stands, as that was the official guidance from the previous government and has not been revised publicly.
Improvements to Existing Train Services (Bangkok–Hua Hin)
While the high-speed line is in development, Thailand has been upgrading the existing Bangkok–Hua Hin rail corridor, which has already yielded significant travel time improvements. Notable upgrades include:
Double-Tracking of the Southern Line: The conventional railway from Bangkok (Nakhon Pathom) to Chumphon (passing through Hua Hin) was upgraded from a single track to a double track. In August 2024, SRT opened the new 421 km dual-track route to passenger service (New dual-track railway opens on southern line). This expansion, which was substantially completed by late 2023, allows trains traveling in opposite directions to run simultaneously without waiting, greatly improving efficiency. As part of this project, a brand new elevated Hua Hin Station was constructed, replacing the ground-level station that dates back to 1910 (New dual-track railway opens on southern line). The modern station opened for initial use in December 2023 (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger) (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger).
Reduced Travel Times: The double-tracking and infrastructure upgrades have significantly cut travel times on the existing route. Train speeds on this line have effectively doubled – from an average of around 50 km/h on the old single track to 100–120 km/h on the new dual track (). This means the journey between Bangkok and Hua Hin, which used to take 4 to 5 hours, now takes roughly 3 hours by regular train (). Officials estimate a 25–30% reduction in travel time for routes on the upgraded line (). In practice, scheduled express trains now make the trip in just over 3 hours, a substantial improvement for both locals and tourists traveling to Hua Hin (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger). (By comparison, driving between the cities can take 3–4 hours depending on traffic, so the faster trains are much more competitive than before.)
New Schedules and Services: To capitalize on the faster tracks, SRT introduced a revised train timetable on December 15, 2023, when the double-track section became operational (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger) (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger). More trains now run between Bangkok and Hua Hin with improved punctuality, since delays for track clearance have been eliminated. All Hua Hin-bound trains that once originated from Bangkok’s old Hua Lamphong terminus have been re-routed to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station) in northern Bangkok (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger). This new hub is designed for long-distance services and offers easier connections. According to SRT, the dual-track system will also allow them to increase frequency if demand grows, further benefiting travelers (New dual-track railway opens on southern line).
Ongoing Upgrades: Beyond the Hua Hin section, Thailand is continuing double-track upgrades on other stretches of the Southern Line (e.g. south of Chumphon) and refurbishing train equipment. While these are not high-speed trains, they improve the reliability and comfort of current services. For example, new diesel locomotives and passenger coaches have been introduced on some routes, and the improved signaling (due to be fully completed by 2025 on the Nakhon Pathom–Chumphon segment) will enable safer and possibly slightly faster operations (New dual-track railway opens on southern line). In short, the existing rail service is entering a “new era” of faster travel between Bangkok and Hua Hin even before the high-speed line is built (All aboard the history express: Hua Hin Train Station gears up for inaugural joyride | Thaiger).
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