Phuket light rail system now expected to launch in 2026
Phuket’s proposed light rail development is expected to begin carrying passengers in 2026.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand said it is investing about THB35 billion for the first phase which will link Chalong Circle interchange with Phuket Airport.
The 42km link will have 21 stations.
A second phase will extend for another 16km from Baan Tha Noon in Phang Nga to Baan Muang Mai in Thalang which will feed in to a new railway line being constructed at Phang Nga.
Proposed fares will be between THB35 and THB140.
MRTA Assistant Governor Sarot T Suwan met with Phuket Deputy Governor Wongsakorn Noonchukhan and local business leaders in a public meeting to provide updates.
It is seeking public feedback on the project.
"We expect to present people’s opinions and our research about this project to the Cabinet in the middle of next year, and open bids for the private sector to join the project investment in 2022," Sarot said.
When the tram system was first touted several years ago, it was expected to be ready by 2021, and was later pushed back to 2024.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers