Thailand’s iconic Hua Hin railway station is set for a major upgrade, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) promising a comprehensive renovation aimed at boosting tourism, creating jobs, and improving safety.
SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala visited the historic station this week to accelerate the project and review new passenger facilities. He met with Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawatsaen to advance plans positioning Hua Hin as a central hub for travel and tourism.
“Our aim is to make Hua Hin more than just a transit point. We want it to serve as a gateway for rail-based tourism across the region,” he said.
The extensive upgrades will integrate Hua Hin station into broader tourism networks, connecting visitors to scenic districts such as Pranburi, Kui Buri, and Bang Saphan Noi. These areas are known for their natural attractions but are challenging to access by car, making rail connections a key driver of growth.
The plans also involve working with local authorities to develop canals into new tourist attractions and to improve links between Nong Kae Station and nearby landmarks.
During his visit, Veeris reviewed upgrades to passenger services and staff accommodations, emphasizing the need to enhance railway employees’ quality of life while reorganizing the station’s northern zone. The front area and steel warehouse will be cleared and redesigned to improve convenience, safety, and aesthetics for travelers.
“The station is a part of our heritage, but it must also meet modern service standards,” he said.
The SRT Governor also revealed that portions of railway land will be designated to support local entrepreneurship. Communities will have space to sell goods, generating jobs and income while transforming the station into a lively hub for both residents and tourists.
Meanwhile, Governor Sitthichai hosted a strategy meeting with Veeris and other stakeholders at the Hua Hin Municipality Office to explore ways to enhance rail-based tourism and connect towns across Prachuap Khiri Khan through an expanded railway network, according to Bangkok Post.
The Hua Hin renovation is part of SRT’s broader effort to modernize Thailand’s railways, improve public transport connectivity, and turn regional stations into engines of economic growth. For Hua Hin’s century-old station, the makeover promises to evolve it from a nostalgic stop into a modern gateway for tourism.
