Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited

Research by Asia Plus Securities assesses that a water management megaproject with a combined value of 165,000 million baht will support the growth of the construction contracting sector over the medium to long term. The project aims to cut flood damage by about 16,930 million baht per year and reduce flooded area by 3.48 million rai. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take eight years. Among the stocks expected to benefit, Asia Plus names CK as its top pick with a target price of 24 baht on the prospect of winning work directly, while STECON carries a target price of 23 baht on expectations it will benefit from large project contracts. Also in the frame are UNIQ, which has opportunities from large project work, and ITD, which is involved in earthworks and drainage systems. In the construction materials group, SCC, SCCC and TPIPL stand to benefit from project demand for materials. Factors to watch include the project's funding sources, land expropriation, the timing of bidding, and contract signing, all of which will affect progress and the chances that construction companies win work from the project.

The Cabinet has approved the Chai Nat–Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand flood diversion canal project, with total investment of approximately 165 billion baht, one of Thailand's largest megaprojects in years. The project aims to create a new water diversion route from the upper Chao Phraya basin directly to the Gulf of Thailand, improving drainage efficiency and reducing flood risk in the central region, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces. The government estimates that once completed, it will reduce flooded area by about 3.48 million rai, add roughly 1.555 billion cubic metres of water storage capacity, and cut economic damage from flooding by about 16.93 billion baht per year. Under the implementation timeline, feasibility studies and design are set for 2026, with construction of phase one beginning in 2027. From 2028 to 2030, the drainage canal, sluice gates, and land acquisition will be carried out. From 2031 to 2033, main structures will be built and systems tested, before full operation in 2034. Asia Plus Securities said the construction contracting group will be the first direct beneficiary, with CK, STECON, and UNIQ standing out as stocks with strong potential to win contracts, while ITD is likely to benefit from its expertise in earthworks and drainage systems. The construction materials group, including SCC, SCCC, and TPIPL, will see support later in the materials usage cycle. Factors to watch are clarity on funding sources, the land acquisition or expropriation process, and the timetable for opening bidding on each contract, with delays in these steps posing a key risk that could push the transmission of benefits later than planned.

The Cabinet has approved the second phase of the southern dual-track railway project, comprising three routes with a total investment of 106,798.32 million baht. Bidding is expected to open between late 2026 and early 2027. Brokers view that CH. Karnchang (CK) will benefit the most, given its expertise in large-scale state infrastructure projects, and is expected to secure at least 27,000 million baht in contracts, while STECON is expected to secure around 21,000 million baht. The three routes include: Chumphon–Surat Thani (36,892.32 million baht), Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction (61,534.55 million baht), and Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar (8,371.45 million baht). The government will bear all costs. This approval will bolster CK's backlog and provide upside to its share price from the current target of 23 baht. Other construction contractors such as ITD, UNIQ, and NWR also have opportunities to participate in the bidding, while construction material companies like SCC, SCCC, and TASCO will benefit from increased demand for cement and steel.

The mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla Province, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2026, is set to consider several large-scale projects that could generate investment in the South for years to come, especially the second phase of the Southern dual-track railway with a total budget of approximately 104.466 billion baht, covering three routes with a combined distance of 534 kilometers: Chumphon–Surat Thani (30.423 billion baht), Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla (66.271 billion baht), and Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar (7.773 billion baht). If approved, this will connect the rail network from the lower central region to the Malaysian border, reduce logistics costs, and enhance long-term economic potential. Stocks expected to benefit include construction contractors such as CK, STECON, ITD, UNIQ, and NWR, as well as construction material companies like SCC, SCCC, and TASCO. Additionally, there are proposals from five southern provinces totaling 199 projects with an initial budget of over 57 billion baht, which could support water management and utility stocks such as FLE, UBA, and WIIK, as well as tourism and retail groups like AOT, AAV, CENTEL, ERW, SHR, CPALL, and CRC. However, most benefits are medium to long term and depend on actual approvals and bidding. Furthermore, there are projects for the Songkhla Lake Bridge and the Lanta Island Bridge with a combined budget of approximately 6.7 billion baht, expected to be completed by 2029, but the main contractor is a foreign company, CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, so Thai stocks may only get subcontracting work or domestic material procurement. Investors should monitor approval resolutions, funding sources, contract divisions, and actual work secured by each company, as these are key factors determining the impact on profits.