Pictures courtesy of The Thaiger

 

The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays as Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn takes charge of stalled contracts and heritage concerns. The setbacks are adding pressure on the government to push forward with a scheme long seen as crucial for regional connectivity.

 

The project, backed by China, was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chiang Rak Noi in Ayutthaya in December 2015. It was presented as a transformative step for transport links in Southeast Asia. A decade later, progress remains slow, with construction and approvals lagging behind expectations.

 

Phase 1 of the scheme covers the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, a 253-kilometre stretch with a budget of 179.41 billion baht. Out of 14 contracts, only two have been completed, 10 are still underway and two remain stuck. The delays centre on Contract 4-1 and Contract 4-5.

 

Contract 4-1 covers the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, running 15.21 kilometres and valued at 9.21 billion baht. It overlaps with CP Group’s high-speed link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Work has been suspended until a revised joint investment agreement is reached.

 

Contract 4-5 covers the Ban Pho–Phra Kaew section, 13.3 kilometres long and worth 9.91 billion baht. The proposed Ayutthaya station has raised concerns over potential impacts on UNESCO heritage sites. The original contractor, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, withdrew, leaving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to prepare a new tender.

 

Despite these obstacles, officials are preparing Phase 2 of the project. This 357.12-kilometre stretch from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai carries a budget of 341.35 billion baht. The Cabinet approved the plan in February this year, and bidding is expected to open before the end of 2025, with completion targeted for 2031.

 

Transport analysts say the success of Phase 2 will depend on whether heritage disputes can be resolved and outstanding contracts completed. According to The Nation, “the delays highlight the complexity of balancing development with cultural preservation and private investment.” The rail link is intended to connect Bangkok with Laos and China, supporting faster travel and wider trade opportunities.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s China-backed high-speed rail project faces new delays over stalled contracts and heritage disputes.

• Phase 1 has seen only two of 14 contracts completed, while Phase 2 has Cabinet approval but awaits bidding.

• The project aims to link Bangkok with Laos and China, boosting connectivity and trade by 2031.

 

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Thailands-railway-expansion-a-2979-billion-baht-endeavour

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from The Thaiger :2025-09-14

 

 

 

 

 

 

The idea of a high-speed rail line connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports in Thailand was first proposed in early 2016 

 

Timeline of the Three-Airport Link

• 1996: An initial high-speed rail (HSR) line to the eastern seaboard was proposed. 
   
• 2009: The government requested a plan for a new HSR network, including an eastern HSR line to Rayong. 
   
• Early 2014: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced the line would be tendered. 
   
• May 2014: A military coup led to further delays and the deferral of HSR projects. 
   
• Early 2016: The government agreed to proceed with the eastern HSR route and proposed extending it to Don Mueang, creating the three-airport link concept. 
   
• 2019: The project was officially announced. 
   
• 2025: After delays, the project gained momentum with revised contracts and updated timelines, aiming for a 2029 opening. 

 

Almost 2026 and the project is on its azz and in shambles....And not so much as one shovel of dirt has been turned...New completion date 2050 or 2060 maybe..

30 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

The idea of a high-speed rail line connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports in Thailand was first proposed in early 2016 

 

Timeline of the Three-Airport Link

• 1996: An initial high-speed rail (HSR) line to the eastern seaboard was proposed. 
   
• 2009: The government requested a plan for a new HSR network, including an eastern HSR line to Rayong. 
   
• Early 2014: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced the line would be tendered. 
   
• May 2014: A military coup led to further delays and the deferral of HSR projects. 
   
• Early 2016: The government agreed to proceed with the eastern HSR route and proposed extending it to Don Mueang, creating the three-airport link concept. 
   
• 2019: The project was officially announced. 
   
• 2025: After delays, the project gained momentum with revised contracts and updated timelines, aiming for a 2029 opening. 

 

Almost 2026 and the project is on its azz and in shambles....And not so much as one shovel of dirt has been turned...New completion date 2050 or 2060 maybe..

what do you expect  this IS thailand the land of Flip Flop decisions 

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Phase 1 of the scheme covers the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, a 253-kilometre stretch with a budget of 179.41 billion baht.

 

That little flatland stretch is currently budgeted at $5.6 Billion, which is just about what the entire 530-km Vientiane to Boten line cost, with hundreds of kilometers or bridges and tunnels.

 

 

At least they're doing better than California!

 

What about the Airport Link starting from Suvarnambum to Phayathai to Don Muang?  Will the link ever be finsihed?   Typically airport links do not require you to change trains or providers? 

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures courtesy of The Thaiger

 

The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays as Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn takes charge of stalled contracts and heritage concerns. The setbacks are adding pressure on the government to push forward with a scheme long seen as crucial for regional connectivity.

 

The project, backed by China, was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chiang Rak Noi in Ayutthaya in December 2015. It was presented as a transformative step for transport links in Southeast Asia. A decade later, progress remains slow, with construction and approvals lagging behind expectations.

 

Phase 1 of the scheme covers the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, a 253-kilometre stretch with a budget of 179.41 billion baht. Out of 14 contracts, only two have been completed, 10 are still underway and two remain stuck. The delays centre on Contract 4-1 and Contract 4-5.

 

Contract 4-1 covers the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, running 15.21 kilometres and valued at 9.21 billion baht. It overlaps with CP Group’s high-speed link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Work has been suspended until a revised joint investment agreement is reached.

 

Contract 4-5 covers the Ban Pho–Phra Kaew section, 13.3 kilometres long and worth 9.91 billion baht. The proposed Ayutthaya station has raised concerns over potential impacts on UNESCO heritage sites. The original contractor, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, withdrew, leaving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to prepare a new tender.

 

Despite these obstacles, officials are preparing Phase 2 of the project. This 357.12-kilometre stretch from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai carries a budget of 341.35 billion baht. The Cabinet approved the plan in February this year, and bidding is expected to open before the end of 2025, with completion targeted for 2031.

 

Transport analysts say the success of Phase 2 will depend on whether heritage disputes can be resolved and outstanding contracts completed. According to The Nation, “the delays highlight the complexity of balancing development with cultural preservation and private investment.” The rail link is intended to connect Bangkok with Laos and China, supporting faster travel and wider trade opportunities.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s China-backed high-speed rail project faces new delays over stalled contracts and heritage disputes.

• Phase 1 has seen only two of 14 contracts completed, while Phase 2 has Cabinet approval but awaits bidding.

• The project aims to link Bangkok with Laos and China, boosting connectivity and trade by 2031.

 

Related Stories

 

Thailands-railway-expansion-a-2979-billion-baht-endeavour

 

Thailands-high-speed-rail-bidding-opens-for-2026

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from The Thaiger :2025-09-14

 

 

 

 

 

Don't get invade by China. Thailand must keep their identity! And I'm European. Please 

 

Thailand desperately needs high speed transit and alternatives to the ridiculously choked highways. They also need an alternative for the transport of cargo, which they have been ignoring for 70 plus years now.

 

I think taking China up on their offer of financing the entire project would be a great idea. Build multiple lines all over the country, super high tech, super high speed, let China pay for it, and let China build it, if necessary, and then the construction will be quick. None of the incredible nonsense like Rama II, which is at least 15 years behind schedule.

 

The billions in debt is not an issue, as nearly all countries on the Belt and Road initiative are defaulting on their loans. So it just helps to make China go broke, which is a great thing. 

 

20 hours ago, redwood1 said:

The idea of a high-speed rail line connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports in Thailand was first proposed in early 2016 

 

Timeline of the Three-Airport Link

• 1996: An initial high-speed rail (HSR) line to the eastern seaboard was proposed. 
   
• 2009: The government requested a plan for a new HSR network, including an eastern HSR line to Rayong. 
   
• Early 2014: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced the line would be tendered. 
   
• May 2014: A military coup led to further delays and the deferral of HSR projects. 
   
• Early 2016: The government agreed to proceed with the eastern HSR route and proposed extending it to Don Mueang, creating the three-airport link concept. 
   
• 2019: The project was officially announced. 
   
• 2025: After delays, the project gained momentum with revised contracts and updated timelines, aiming for a 2029 opening. 

 

Almost 2026 and the project is on its azz and in shambles....And not so much as one shovel of dirt has been turned...New completion date 2050 or 2060 maybe..

I cannot argue with the dates, so assume they are correct, but don't forget that the commissions on the budget for the Three Airport Link, as well as on the 179.41 billion baht for the HSR, have all been paid long ago.

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The project, backed by China, was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chiang Rak Noi in Ayutthaya in December 2015.

This project originated from the NCPO Junta led by Gen. Prayut (aka Prime Minister) using his absolute power that enabled the junta to bypass environmental, economic and corruption review by the National Anti-Corruption Commission to execute the high speed project using 100% China financing. What could go wrong?

Troll post removed. Discuss the topic and not other posters @sandyf

21 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Almost 2026 and the project is on its azz and in shambles....And not so much as one shovel of dirt has been turned...New completion date 2050 or 2060 maybe..

It will never happen until the funding is in place. I believe U-tapao has already reduced expansion on the basis it will never come about.

Land prices on the eastern seaboard are rising faster than the negotiations can be addressed so constant revision will be ongoing.

From google AI

• Delayed Payments to SRT:

  The private consortium was initially unable to meet payment deadlines for the ARL operating rights due to liquidity issues during the pandemic. 

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Thailand desperately needs high speed transit and alternatives to the ridiculously choked highways. They also need an alternative for the transport of cargo, which they have been ignoring for 70 plus years now.

 

I think taking China up on their offer of financing the entire project would be a great idea. Build multiple lines all over the country, super high tech, super high speed, let China pay for it, and let China build it, if necessary, and then the construction will be quick. None of the incredible nonsense like Rama II, which is at least 15 years behind schedule.

 

The billions in debt is not an issue, as nearly all countries on the Belt and Road initiative are defaulting on their loans. So it just helps to make China go broke, which is a great thing. 

 

 

Take a look at other countries that have taken Chinese money and see how well they are doing.  The Chinese only get involved if it helps them and gains control of the country they are dealing with.

 

The smart thing at this stage would be to build a train from Swampy to Pattaya to start. They have the highway there, so it would not be a considerable cost.  Yes, taking a train from Pyathaa to Swampy would be a pain, but hey, it is a start.

 

You can then expand 

 

 

Thailand is now in the crosshair of  CCP(Chinese Communist Party)'s

Operation Debt Trap.

On 9/14/2025 at 11:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays

 

By the time this HST project is completed, it will be like boarding a train from this era!

 

 

As always, all talk, no action.

45 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

By the time this HST project is completed, it will be like boarding a train from this era!

 

May 4, 2025In a stunning demonstration of technological prowess, China has successfully completed a trial run of the world's fastest maglev train, reaching speeds of 621 mph (1,000 km/h) inside a specially constructed vacuum tube in Shanxi province.

 

https://engineerine.com/chinas-620mph-maglev-train/

 

 

OOPS!  My mistake.

 

That's the OLD version maglev train that "only" travels at 600 kmh.

On 9/14/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Pictures courtesy of The Thaiger

 

The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays as Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn takes charge of stalled contracts and heritage concerns. The setbacks are adding pressure on the government to push forward with a scheme long seen as crucial for regional connectivity.

 

The project, backed by China, was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chiang Rak Noi in Ayutthaya in December 2015. It was presented as a transformative step for transport links in Southeast Asia. A decade later, progress remains slow, with construction and approvals lagging behind expectations.

 

Phase 1 of the scheme covers the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, a 253-kilometre stretch with a budget of 179.41 billion baht. Out of 14 contracts, only two have been completed, 10 are still underway and two remain stuck. The delays centre on Contract 4-1 and Contract 4-5.

 

Contract 4-1 covers the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, running 15.21 kilometres and valued at 9.21 billion baht. It overlaps with CP Group’s high-speed link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Work has been suspended until a revised joint investment agreement is reached.

 

Contract 4-5 covers the Ban Pho–Phra Kaew section, 13.3 kilometres long and worth 9.91 billion baht. The proposed Ayutthaya station has raised concerns over potential impacts on UNESCO heritage sites. The original contractor, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, withdrew, leaving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to prepare a new tender.

 

Despite these obstacles, officials are preparing Phase 2 of the project. This 357.12-kilometre stretch from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai carries a budget of 341.35 billion baht. The Cabinet approved the plan in February this year, and bidding is expected to open before the end of 2025, with completion targeted for 2031.

 

Transport analysts say the success of Phase 2 will depend on whether heritage disputes can be resolved and outstanding contracts completed. According to The Nation, “the delays highlight the complexity of balancing development with cultural preservation and private investment.” The rail link is intended to connect Bangkok with Laos and China, supporting faster travel and wider trade opportunities.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand’s China-backed high-speed rail project faces new delays over stalled contracts and heritage disputes.

• Phase 1 has seen only two of 14 contracts completed, while Phase 2 has Cabinet approval but awaits bidding.

• The project aims to link Bangkok with Laos and China, boosting connectivity and trade by 2031.

 

Related Stories

 

Thailands-railway-expansion-a-2979-billion-baht-endeavour

 

Thailands-high-speed-rail-bidding-opens-for-2026

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from The Thaiger :2025-09-14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somebody forgot to hand over the brown envelopes 🙈

5 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

Take a look at other countries that have taken Chinese money and see how well they are doing.  The Chinese only get involved if it helps them and gains control of the country they are dealing with.

 

The smart thing at this stage would be to build a train from Swampy to Pattaya to start. They have the highway there, so it would not be a considerable cost.  Yes, taking a train from Pyathaa to Swampy would be a pain, but hey, it is a start.

 

You can then expand 

 

 

The vast majority of countries on the Belt and Road initiative have either already defaulted on, or are in the process of defaulting on their loans. China has not come in and taken over their territory. 

I can't really blame the Thais. They can't really say NO to Beijing, but having high-speed running all the way from China to Thailand will be a massive threat to Thai sovereignty. 

On 9/14/2025 at 5:12 AM, Georgealbert said:

The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays as Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn takes charge of stalled contracts and heritage concerns. The setbacks are adding pressure on the government to push forward with a scheme long seen as crucial for regional connectivity.

 

Learn from this Thailand, don't make any deals with China. Remember the Subs and their delay with the Chinese engines, avoid at all costs.

19 hours ago, Reddavy said:

Somebody forgot to hand over the brown envelopes 🙈

The challenge is not the brown envelopes as much as it is that people do not want to sell their property or live with the noise.  That is why the Amart move would build the Bangkok to Pattaya run first, to get it running. 

 

Also they are going to have to upgrade the safety mechanisms.  They have the land for a lot of it, but they have to be realistic.  There are too many hoops to jump through to get DMK to Swampy

10 hours ago, Caldera said:

I can't really blame the Thais. They can't really say NO to Beijing, but having high-speed running all the way from China to Thailand will be a massive threat to Thai sovereignty. 

 

Great point.  I was in Afghanistan in 1975, when there was a few years of peace.  There was no paved road between the capitol and the city nearest to the northern border with the USSR.  That country, with all requisite kindness, built such a road for them.  It was completed in 1979.  Guess what else the USSR did in that year.