Bangkok: Government spokesman reveals that the Ministry of Transport reported progress to the Cabinet, confirming that in 2030, the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway construction project, Bangkok-Nong Khai route, will definitely pass through Laos to China. He believes that it will connect the Thai economy with the world economy, increasing trade and investment.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Ministry of Transport reported to the Cabinet meeting on the progress of the cooperation project between the Thai and Chinese governments in constructing a high-speed train to connect the ASEAN region and China, especially in the section in Thailand on the route from Bangkok to Nong Khai. The results of the 31st meeting of the Joint Committee for Railway Cooperation between Thailand and China reported the progress to the meeting, with the following summary:
The progress in the development of the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed train system is noteworthy. Phase 1, covering the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, shows a civil engineering construction contract completion of 35.75 percent, with two contracts completed in the Klang Dong-Pang Asok section and the Sikhio-Kut Chik section. Ten more contracts are under construction, and two contracts are under procurement. The Railway Technology Research and Development Institute (Public Organization) has been established to support the project.
The second phase, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai, is expected to open for service in 2030. The design phase is complete, and the project is in the process of submitting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the National Environment Board for consideration. The State Railway of Thailand has resolved to approve the project and plans to submit it to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Regarding the railway connection between Nong Khai and Vientiane, five plans are in place. The double-track railway project between Khon Kaen and Nong Khai is currently in the bidding process and is expected to open for service in 2027. The improvement of the Friendship Bridge is underway to support the transportation of goods with a load of 20 tons per axle, and the Department of Highways has studied its load-bearing capacity. The construction of a new bridge across the Mekong River is in the detailed design and EIA phase. Additionally, the development of the freight transport area is under consideration to divide the remaining area for rental purposes, while connecting cross-border travel on the route between Thanaleng and Vientiane is now complete and open for service.
Mr. Jirayu stated that the government anticipates the Bangkok-Nong Khai-Vientiane-China high-speed rail project to be an opportunity for the Northeast and Thailand to connect with the global economy. This development aims to create opportunities for Thais to trade and invest in regional and global markets, aligning with the government's strategic plan to develop infrastructure and position Thailand as a regional transportation and logistics hub.