Cabinet approved three southern double-track rail projects (Chumphon–Surat Thani, Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction, Hat Yai–Padang Besar) totalling 106,798.32 million baht, funded by government budget and domestic loans. Construction runs roughly 2026–2033. Costs rose because of diesel and materials prices linked to Middle East tensions. The Hat Yai–Songkhla section is postponed until encroachment is cleared. Three northern and northeast lines were only approved in principle, pending revised ridership forecasts. For southern SMEs in construction, logistics, materials or hospitality, this is a multi-year pipeline to bid for or plan around, not a near-term change.