He said now that extra trains had been added to the Malaysia to Hat Yai timetable it made sense to offer a continuation as far as Phuket. The governor continued by saying the national rail authority would need to build new tracks from Hat Yai to Phuket.
Mr Tipayapongtada explained that the new line could be routed to take in stops at Satun, Trang, Krabi and Phang Nga. He also noted that the additional Padang Besar to Hat Yai trains plus direct ones on to Phuket would give tourists from Malaysia and Singapore a cheap and convenient means of accessing Phuket’s plentiful attractions.
At present, the principal rail route down the southern Thai peninsula follows the east coast as far as Hat Yai before it cuts across to Padang Besar. 12GO ASIA sells train tickets for this service as well ones for other key bus and rail routes in Thailand.
Phuket governor proposes Hat Yai train connection
News in Asia
The governor of western Phuket Province has proposed the construction of a rail line linking it to the opposite coast of the Thai peninsula. Chamroen Tipayapongtada put forward the proposal at a council meeting late last week.