Ao Luk Residents Devastated as Newly Completed Homes Face Land Seizure for Railway Project

Residents of Ao Luk in Krabi province gathered on May 24 to voice their opposition to the proposed Thap Put-Krabi railway extension project, a 68-kilometer feeder line that will pass through four districts and 15 subdistricts, including Ao Luk, eventually connecting to Krabi International Airport.

According to a survey conducted by a company hired by Thai State Railways (SRT), approximately 379 households face relocation, with over 1,120 rai of agricultural land affected. Residents report that the railway alignment cuts directly through their properties, creating isolated land plots and severely restricting access for transporting agricultural products. Some residents, such as Apicha Meesikit, expressed shock upon learning their newly constructed homes—on which they spent several million baht and only moved into in February 2025—now sit directly on the proposed railway corridor.

Residents are urging Thai State Railways and relevant government agencies to reconsider the route entirely or select an alternative alignment that minimizes community impact. Officials acknowledged the project is currently in the feasibility study and public consultation phase, with ground surveys and data collection ongoing. They stated they are addressing complaints from affected residents regarding land access and property impacts. The railway project is classified as urgent infrastructure and aims to promote tourism and provide direct rail access to Krabi Airport.