Hanoi, May 2 -- ​Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand is fast-tracking plans to upgrade its southern rail network and restore cross-border routes with Malaysia, aiming to boost cross-border trade, enhance logistics capacity and strengthen regional connectivity.

The Ministry of Transport has outlined a strategy to strengthen rail as a key mode of transport connecting Thailand with neighbouring countries. The policy, driven by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, calls for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to expedite Phase 2 of its double-track railway programme, with a particular focus on the South.

Three major double-track routes in the region, with a combined investment of more than 100 billion THB (3.07 ...