The first phase of the Thai–Chinese high-speed rail project has reached 51.74% completion, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The update was provided during a visit by the Senate committee on transport to Chiang Rak Noi railway station in Ayutthaya. Acting SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng said progress is continuing across multiple contracts.

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Phase 1 links Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima and carries a total investment value of 179.41 billion baht. The phase consists of 14 construction contracts and one train system contract. Two contracts covering the Klang Dong–Pang Asok and Sikhiu–Kut Chik sections have been completed, while construction is under way on 10 others.

Two additional contracts for the Bang Sue–Don Mueang and Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo sections have yet to be signed. Mr Anan said the SRT has instructed contractors to adhere strictly to timelines while maintaining engineering and safety standards. Commercial operations for Phase 1 are scheduled to begin in 2030.

The 250.77-kilometre route will largely be elevated, with approximately 188.68km designed as elevated track to reduce level crossings and improve safety. About 54.09km will run at ground level. Two tunnels, located in Muak Lek and Lam Takhong, will span a combined distance of around 8km.

Six main stations are planned along the Phase 1 route: Krung Thep Aphiwat, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. The project forms part of broader efforts to modernise Thailand’s rail infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity.

Phase 2 of the project, extending from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has already been approved by the cabinet and passed its environmental impact assessment. This 357.12km section is valued at 256.4 billion baht. It will include five stations: Bua Yai Junction, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai.

Manger online reported that bidding and contract signing for Phase 2 are expected to take place this year. Construction is projected to take 48 months, with an anticipated opening in 2031. Once completed, the full route is intended to enhance transport capacity and support cross-border links.

Cover picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

Key Takeaways

• Phase 1 of the Thai–Chinese high-speed rail project is 51.74% complete, with two contracts finished and 10 under construction.

• The 250.77km Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima section is valued at 179.41 billion baht and is scheduled to open in 2030.

• Phase 2 to Nong Khai, worth 256.4 billion baht, is expected to open in 2031 after 48 months of construction.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 16 Feb 2026

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This is hardly the kind of progress Thailand should be celebrating.

The Thai–Chinese high‑speed rail project, like Rama 2 Road, continues to expose the chronic weaknesses of large infrastructure in Thailand: delays, incomplete contracts, and constantly shifting timelines.

Officials may boast of “51% completion” for Phase 1, but that figure is rather misleading. Two major sections remain unsigned, meaning that half‑finished progress is being celebrated while fundamental parts of the route haven’t even started.

The projected start of operations in 2030 for the 251 km Phase 1 section is another red flag. For a project first launched nearly a decade ago, this timeline reflects glacial progress. If the 357 km Phase 2 section follows the same pattern, it's 2031 target looks more like a pipe dream than a realistic schedule.

With costs of 179 billion baht for Phase 1 and 256 billion baht for Phase 2, efficient project management and strict accountability should have been non‑negotiable. Yet the current pace almost guarantees that the project will not be delivered on time or at the scale promised.

What this update really shows is not meaningful progress, but the chronic persistence of delays, project failures, and bureaucratic inertia.

Until contracts are signed and construction accelerates, Thailand’s high‑speed rail will remain a symbol of inefficiency rather than a source of national pride, and risks becoming another "Seven-Generation" project!

When will the high speed rail be done from bangkok to south right up to phuket, via suvarnabhumi and via Hua Hin ?