Social Impact Assessments of the Double Track Railways Construction in the Northeast: Case Studies of Mabkabao to Chira Junction and to Khonkaen

Abstract

The objective of this article is to assess social impacts of the construction of the double track railways from Mabkabao to Chira Junction and to Khonkaen. The research used qualitative methods with in-depth interviews and observation. The study found that these projects lead to the completed development of the logistics system of double track transportation, increase of efficiency with decreasing of transportation cost, linkage to neighboring countries, conveniences for employees to visit their hometown, and positive impacts on cultural tourism. However, there are negative impacts – including transfers of households out of railway tracks, accidence occurring during the period of construction, traffic jam at the intersections, demolishment of old stations with high historical value, problems of the project owners’ lack of communications, and inadequate public participation.