KUALA LUMPUR - According to The Nation, The Transport Ministry, one of the main drivers of public investment, has been allocated THB265.41 billion for 2026, an increase of THB20.83 billion or 8.52% compared with 2025.

The ministry said it has prepared a list of projects ready to be submitted for Cabinet approval once a new government takes office.

Thailand is set to undergo another political transition in 2026 after the Election Commission scheduled a general election for February 8, with advance voting on February 1.

Ongoing political uncertainty has delayed approvals for projects that require long-term budget commitments, slowing major infrastructure decisions.

The ministry also said, in total, 11 projects worth a combined THB359.80 billion are currently waiting for Cabinet consideration.

If approved in 2026, the ministry believes these projects would help stimulate the economy and create jobs in the construction sector.

One road project awaiting approval is the Chalong Rat Expressway–Outer Bangkok Ring Road (East), valued at THB13.67 billion, which has already been submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat.

Another proposal involves the Bang Pa-in Junction development, split into a THB5.55 billion link between Motorway M6 and Highway 32, and a THB4.10 billion link to Motorway Route 9.

The Western Outer Ring Road Motorway (M9) from Bang Bua Thong to Bang Pa-in, worth THB15.86 billion, is also awaiting placement on the Cabinet agenda.

The Srinakarin–Suvarnabhumi Airport Expressway project, valued at THB20.81 billion, is being prepared for submission by the Expressway Authority of Thailand.

The Nakhon Pathom–Cha-am Motorway (M8) and a public-private partnership package for the Nakhon Pathom–Pak Tho section, worth THB61.15 billion, are still under review by related agencies.

The Phuket Expressway project linking Muang Mai, Koh Kaew and Kathu, with a budget of THB46.75 billion, is currently in the consultation stage.

As for rail development, the State Railway of Thailand is preparing Phase 2 double-track projects covering three routes with a total value of THB101.25 billion.

These rail routes include Chumphon–Surat Thani, Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla, and Hat Yai–Padang Besar, all of which are awaiting Cabinet consideration.

In aviation, the ministry has planned major airport expansion projects worth about THB90.66 billion to support tourism and economic growth.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport East Expansion, costing THB13.83 billion, aims to increase passenger capacity from 65 million to 80 million per year.

Don Mueang Airport Phase 3 development, valued at THB36.83 billion, is expected to raise capacity from 30 million to 40 million passengers annually.

Chiang Mai Airport Phase 1, with an investment of THB24 billion, seeks to expand annual capacity from 8 million to 20 million passengers.

Phuket Airport Phase 2, worth THB16 billion, aims to increase passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million per year.

A Transport Ministry source said there are also older proposals needing policy direction from the new Cabinet.

These include resolving issues in the public-private partnership contract for the high-speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports.

The ministry is also pushing forward transport investments under the Southern Economic Corridor Land Bridge project, with total investment estimated at THB990 billion.

Feasibility studies have been completed, and the next step is to move ahead with draft legislation for the Southern Economic Corridor Act.