News

ICDI Conducts Stakeholder Consultations to Explore Rail Freight Connectivity in the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC)

4 August 2026
International College of Digital Innovation
The International College of Digital Innovation (ICDI), Chiang Mai University, has been appointed by the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (Public Organization) (RTRDA) as the consultant for the project, "Review and Analysis of Data for the Study on Domestic and Regional Rail Network Connectivity." The project aims to assess the development potential of Thailand's Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), Northern Economic Corridor (NEC), and Northeastern Economic Corridor (NeEC) through stakeholder consultations on rail freight transportation. The findings will support research and evidence-based policy recommendations for strengthening Thailand's rail network and regional connectivity.

The first phase of the field study was conducted in the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) from 28–31 July 2026, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen, Dean of the International College of Digital Innovation and Project Leader. The research team also included Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopasit Chakpitak, ICDI faculty member and former President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (Project Advisor); Mr. Somsak Wongpanyathaworn, former Senior Director of the Bank of Thailand (Researcher); Ms. Suppara Sekacharn, former Thai Commercial Attach? and former Director of the Thai Trade Center in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China (Researcher); and Ms. She Bibi, an expert in the Chinese economy and financial technology (Researcher). The team engaged with representatives from government agencies, the private sector, local administrative organizations, the agricultural sector, and other key stakeholders.

On 28 July 2026, the research team began its fieldwork in Chanthaburi Province, where they met with Mr. Jira Phayungphorn, Managing Director of Chanthaburi Global Foods Co., Ltd., to discuss Thailand's fruit exports, supply chain management, and logistics challenges affecting international trade. The team also held an online discussion with Mr. Lam Chosing, President of Speed Inter Transport Co.,Ltd., to exchange perspectives on agricultural trade, export markets, and logistics connectivity between Thailand and China, providing valuable input for the study of regional rail freight connectivity.

The delegation further visited Mr. Panusak Saipanich, Durian farmer Advisory, Chairman of Thai Durian Association, to discuss the application of logistics technologies, digital data integration, and multimodal transport systems aimed at improving freight transport efficiency and strengthening future logistics networks.

The Chanthaburi visit marks the beginning of a broader field research programme across the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). The research team will continue stakeholder consultations in Rayong, Chumphon, Yala, and Songkhla provinces. The information gathered will contribute to research findings and policy recommendations that support the development of domestic and regional rail connectivity, enhance Thailand's logistics performance, and strengthen the country's long-term economic competitiveness.

Conferences/University Activities

Gallery