On Tuesday, the cabinet officially approved the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project, extending the line from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, with an estimated investment of around 340 billion baht.
This new phase will connect with the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima line currently under construction, enabling faster travel from Bangkok to Yunnan, China, via Laos, where a high-speed railway is already in operation.
As of last month, construction of the first phase was approximately 36% complete, significantly delayed due to disputes over financing with China, contractor liquidity issues, the pandemic, and controversies surrounding the construction of the Ayutthaya station, which conservationists argue could impact a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit mentioned last week that bids for the 357-kilometer second phase are expected to be called this week, with construction projected to be completed by 2030.
The approval for the second phase comes just before Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra embarks on her first official visit to China. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab stated that the prime minister aims to foster cooperation on economic, trade, and investment matters during her trip.
Ms. Paetongtarn hopes to enhance long-term investment partnerships in critical sectors for Thailand’s green and digital transformation, including electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, and data centers. She has also urged the cabinet to prioritize standards, quality, and safety for products, particularly agricultural and food items, in light of China’s recent rejection of Thai durians and sugar syrup shipments. While the durian issue has been resolved, syrup shipments worth hundreds of millions of baht remain blocked.
Additionally, Ms. Paetongtarn has emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing safety measures for tourists, stating that she will not allow transnational gangs, particularly those involved in call centre scams, to use Thailand as a transit point.
