BANGKOK, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Light rail transit projects for major tourist spots in northern and southern Thailand have been given the green light.

Thailand's cabinet approved on Tuesday the two light rail projects -- one in the northern province of Chiang Mai and the other in the southern provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga, which usually attract millions of visitors yearly, said Ministry of Transport spokesman Sarawut Songsiwilai.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand is in charge of both light rail projects.

A feasibility study and design for Chiang Mai's light rail project were conducted and put forward to the authorities of the northern province last year, Sarawut said.

Meanwhile, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning has conducted a feasibility and design on Phuket's light rail project as well as public hearings and environmental impact assessment.

According to assistant MRTA governor Sarot T. Suwan, the construction of Phuket's light rail project will begin in 2020 and is expected to have initial operational capability in 2023.

It is designed to have 21 stations along the way, including 19 ground stations, one elevated station and one underground station covering a distance of 58.5 kilometers between Phuket and Phang Nga, he said.

The light rail project is designed to link Phuket international airport across the sea from north of the island with Phang Nga shore.