The Thai high-speed rail project linking Bangkok to China via Laos has made significant progress.
The first phase of the project is now more than a third complete, announced government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap on Wednesday, January 29.
Speaking at the end of a government meeting, Mr. Huangsap revealed that the construction of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) section was 35.75% complete.
Thailand-China high-speed rail project (Bangkok-Nong Khai), phase 1: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).
Two sections of the Klang Dong-Pang Asok and Si Khio-Kut Chik roads have been fully constructed, while ten additional contracts are currently under construction and two are being procured.
The second phase of the project, which runs from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, on the border with Laos, is expected to be completed by 2030.
The design phase is complete and the environmental impact studies are currently being reviewed by the National Environment Office.
Mr. Jirayu also presented five key plans for the Nong Khai-Vientiane rail link.
The 5 key plans
Aerial photo taken on February 23, 2023, showing a China-Thailand railway construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Photo: Xinhua
1. Double-track railway project (Khon Kaen-Nong Khai section)
Currently in the tender phase, this section is expected to be opened by 2027.
2. Improvement of the Friendship Bridge
The bridge is being improved to allow for the transportation of goods with a load per axle of 20 tons.
The highway department is studying the load capacity of the bridge, and the budget office has approved central budget reserves for emergency expenditures to fund the study and construction of additional reinforcements.
3. Construction of a new bridge over the Mekong between Thailand and Laos
The two countries have agreed to jointly invest in the construction of a new bridge, with each party covering the costs on its respective territory.
The project is currently in the detailed design and EIA preparation phase.
4. Development of freight transport zones
It is envisaged to allocate the remaining customs clearance zones, with rental prices to be determined in accordance with regulations.
The committee is also considering the proposal to submit it to the State Enterprise Policy Office for further action under the 2019 Public-Private Partnership Act.
5. Cross-border connection (Tha Na Lang-Vientiane section)
This section has been completed and is now operational.
Positioning Thailand as a regional logistics hub
Train operated by the China-Laos Railway at Vientiane Railway Station in Laos. Photo: PhenluangPhenlao
This project is part of a broader cooperation between Thailand and China, the progress of which is monitored by the Thai-Chinese joint committee on railway cooperation.
Among recent developments, we can mention the creation of a research and development institute for railway systems and projects for new freight transport zones near the border with Laos.
"This project represents a strategic opportunity to position Thailand as a regional logistics hub," said Mr. Huangsap.
He specified that the rail network will connect Thai businesses to markets covering more than 8 billion people worldwide.
See also:
Travel by train in Thailand: itineraries, tips and good deals
Departure of the 1st Thailand - China train
Thailand: train travel between Bangkok and Beijing will soon be possible
China-Thailand Railway: a new era of connectivity
Beijing wants to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand railway
Thailand to speed up China-Thailand railway construction
The Nong Khai Bridge, the final stage of the China-Laos-Thailand railway
Source: Khaosod English
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3 comments
They are making progress on a project.
It would be good to see the first work begin.
All this beautiful high-speed railway project between Thailand and China, via Laos, will be done at the expense of modernization and development of the regional intercity rail network in Thailand, which is limited to its simplest expression and whose infrastructure dates back to the 50s and 60s, while passenger rail transport is a much more secure, less expensive and faster solution (with the right rolling stock and technological means) than road transport, via bus companies that travel daily, day and night, on the major highways of Thailand, from north to south, from east to west, connecting all the cities, provincial capitals and districts of Thailand.
Obviously, this would harm the performance and financial health of the many coach and bus companies specializing in long-distance passenger transport, to the detriment (once again) of safety and a lower cost for Thais who cannot afford air tickets, 30 to 60% more expensive than a VIP or standard sleeper coach trip, which, in turn, are 8 to 12 times slower than air travel.
The economic interests of certain road transport groups are more important than the known risks of spectacularly deadly accidents involving these road giants.
Especially when you see the line Bangkok via Pattaya and the level crossings, you feel like you're deep in Africa.