Thailand is advancing a second phase of southern double-track rail covering 534 kilometres from Chumphon through Surat Thani and Hat Yai to Padang Besar on the Malaysian border. The initial 504-kilometre construction phase is budgeted at about 106.8 billion baht and is expected to improve passenger and freight capacity, tourism links and cross-border trade. The project also incorporates flood-resilient design changes around Hat Yai after previous flooding disrupted the southern rail network. ([Thairath English][1])