Thailand is gearing up for a major railway overhaul with nine projects worth a staggering 661 billion baht (US$19.7 billion) slated for Cabinet approval next month, confirmed Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Amongst these, the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train system, stretching 357 kilometres, holds a significant emphasis.

 

The ambitious plan includes six double-track rail routes, demanding 298 billion baht (US$8.9 billion). These will span several key locations: Paknam Pho-Den Chai, Chumphon-Surat Thani, Thanon Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani, Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar, and Denchai-Chiang Mai. Each of these developments aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel times within the country.

 

In addition, two projects focus on expanding Bangkok’s Red Line system into suburban areas, earmarked at 21.6 billion baht (US$6.4 billion). This covers extensions to Rangsit-Thammasat University Rangsit Campus and Siriraj-Taling Chan-Salaya, enhancing commute options for university students and locales.

 

A standout in this lineup is the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train system, projected to cost 341.3 billion baht (US$10 billion). This phase extends from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, closing the gap on what will eventually be a high-speed rail link stretching from Bangkok towards China. Construction bids are expected later this year with completion targeted for late 2028. The initial phase from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima began in late 2017 but has faced delays, currently standing at 34.9% completion as of July.

 

 

 

 

Adding a grim note, a recent tragedy in Nakhon Ratchasima saw the collapse of a rail tunnel due to heavy rains, tragically claiming the lives of three workers from China and Myanmar.

 

Meanwhile, promising news for international travellers emerged with the completion of a rail bridge over the Mekong River, linking Thailand and Laos and bringing the vision of a Bangkok to Beijing rail journey one step closer.

 

These developments signal a transformative era for Thailand's rail infrastructure, with projects promising both domestic benefits and international connectivity.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-06

 

 

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How many Hubs would this railway network have?

 

Anyone for a sweepstake ?

And still not one train to the east I wouldn't mind a slow single track narrow gauge one, as I've said before my nearest train is in Cambodia.

They must be expecting to collect a lot ,a hell of a lot of tax

on monies been sent to Thailand in the near future ,where

else would the money to pay for all those projects be coming

from ,more debt ,cheap loans from Japan ,doubt China, they

seem to be having problems of their own....

 

regards Worgeordie

1 hour ago, brianthainess said:

And still not one train to the east I wouldn't mind a slow single track narrow gauge one, as I've said before my nearest train is in Cambodia.

???????? No train to the east from Bangkok? Is this what you're saying? You're nearest train is Cambodia? Sorry mate but this makes no sense.

Edited September 6, 20241 yr by dinsdale

Shouldn't they build an extension to the newly announced Spaceport?

11 hours ago, dinsdale said:

???????? No train to the east from Bangkok? Is this what you're saying? You're nearest train is Cambodia? Sorry mate but this makes no sense.

There are no trains to or from Trat, the nearest station is 270 km away BKK, or Pattaya.

Your right though it makes no sense. U-Tapao airport will be the nearest one if they ever finish it about a 4 hr. drive away.

4 hours ago, brianthainess said:

There are no trains to or from Trat, the nearest station is 270 km away BKK, or Pattaya.

Your right though it makes no sense. U-Tapao airport will be the nearest one if they ever finish it about a 4 hr. drive away.

 

Now point to Trat on your map, seems you don't know where it is.

 

Where is that I have highlighted in blue ??

Most of us will be dead once it's ever finished. 

Edited September 11, 20241 yr by organicman

I suspect it will be a better investment than the 500 billion on the digital wallet gimmick.....

Hopefully this will go ahead with minimum corruption and maximum efficiency and quality construction.

 

 

Seriously though, a better rail system would be good for business and also during times like New Year and Songkran when the roads are extremely dangerous due to the large numbers of Somchais in pickups trying to force their way though, and bus drivers who seem to regularly fall asleep (or have brake failure).