Thailand’s Cabinet has granted in-principle approval for a draft royal decree authorising the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to operate the planned 12.54-kilometre Songkhla monorail, marking another step forward for the long-awaited public transport project.
The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Transport and approved during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, August 5, is intended to improve mobility across Songkhla by reducing road congestion, strengthening connections between transport services, and supporting long-term economic development in southern Thailand.
Before the decree can move forward, the Cabinet instructed the Office of the Council of State to review the draft legislation.
Several government agencies have also been asked to examine the project further, including the Budget Bureau, while the Ministry of Transport will consider recommendations put forward by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
The Ministry of Interior has likewise been directed to take the council’s observations into account.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said Khlong Wa station will play a central role in the network, serving as both the location of the system’s depot and maintenance centre and a key interchange linking the monorail with other forms of public transport.
The project has already secured approval from the MRTA board and aligns with Thailand’s transport master plan, as well as a resolution adopted by the Land Traffic Management Commission.
According to the commission, the monorail is expected to improve traffic flow while generating long-term economic benefits for Songkhla and the wider southern region.
Following the Cabinet’s approval, the Ministry of Transport and the MRTA will begin accelerating site investigations and preparing detailed tender documentation to keep the project on schedule.
Officials also believe the development will help reinforce investor confidence in southern Thailand.
Designed as a single-rail transit system, the monorail has been selected to suit Songkhla’s urban environment and is planned to connect key commercial districts and high-demand passenger corridors throughout the province.
Khlong Wa station will house the main operations hub, including the depot and maintenance facilities responsible for servicing the entire fleet. Kho Hong station is expected to provide convenient access for surrounding residential communities and the nearby university area.
Another important transfer point, known as Minivan Station, will connect passengers travelling from surrounding districts and neighbouring provinces, making it easier to transfer between regional transport services and the monorail.
To further encourage the use of public transport, the project also includes park-and-ride facilities alongside designated pick-up and drop-off areas. The aim is to encourage commuters to leave their private vehicles behind, helping ease traffic congestion on Songkhla’s roads.
