The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is expected to seek government approval to extend the Purple Line and develop a new light rail line in Phuket through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) scheme in early 2019.

The Purple Line is a 23km rapid transit line that links the northwestern suburbs of Bangkok in Nonthaburi Province and to the inner north of the city. The extension will link Kanchanaphisek Outer Ring Road and Tao Pun, and is valued at THB128 billion (US$3.9 billion).

The Phuket project involves the development of a 58.5km light rail line running from Tha Noon in Phangnga province to Chalong intersection in the south of the island. The total estimated investment is THB39.4 billion (US$1.2 billion).

Once approved, the projects will be implemented under the fast-track PPP scheme. Fast-track PPP projects are generally approved in nine months, compared with two years under the normal process.