Thailand’s high speed rail moves closer

Listen to this article

A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been approved by a joint committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Suthep Taugsuban. This framework outlines the construction of the Bangkok to Nong Khai high speed train line, of which China will invest in.

Thailand’s Transport Minister Sophon Zarum has said the project could cost up to $25billion (including other proposed lines) and talks are still being held at a Ministerial level to finalise plans. In October 2010, the Thai parliament approved initial proposals for a high speed rail network to be built with Chinese industrial partners.

The proposed 615km line that would travel from Thai capital Bangkok to Nong Khai,  a city in North-East Thailand could be open to the public by 2016.

The Thailand-China Joint Economic Cooperation want the plans to be finalised by mid-2011 in order for bidding to take place at the end of this year and into the start of 2012. The high speed line will use advanced Chinese technology.

It is thought that construction on the line could begin at the end of 2012 if the project goes to plan.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Only thing is, there is nothing in between those cities. No cities of any substantial size. Airasia does the job just fine.

  2. Overland travel from Bangkok to Kunming and beyond will become a reality once this railway line is completed. I look forward to the day when high speed rail travel will become mine and many other traveller’s preferred choice of travel rather than flying, which is annoying and isn’t good for the environment.

  3. Since the Nippon trade agreements. ASEAN free markets, this insult I feel. Assured, if Korea,
    Japan or France had the agreement. Not the least efficient Thai’s understanding. High speed
    transportation concepts? Give me break that is in taxes. Another blunder from government
    appeasing. Bank loaned China forcing commerce Thailand. Doesn’t need I support trans-national train. Singapore,Mayalsia and Thailand. Second line east of Thailand threw Cambodia.
    Vietnam then southern China this would. Economically expence trains going no were. Shall
    increase employment to China. Benefit China let them pay for it. Since own majority real estate
    downtown Bangkok. I support Japanese and Korean trade. They have techonology not Chinese!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Rail News

Andrew Haines looks back on five years of CP6

As Control Period 6 (CP6) comes to a close on 31 March, Network Rail is taking a look back...

More like this...