RockerC Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Having traveled on the high speed rail networks of Europe, Japan and China I wonder if the Thai authorites will ever get around to building a high speed network (or even a single main trunk line). Imagine getting on in Bangkok and getting off in Chiang Mai 3 hours later after having had a very comfortable and scenic trip. Alas, it will not happen in the lifetimes of most, if not all, of us reading this topic I fear. As a regular on the overnight train between Bangkok and Uttaradit and the daytime so-called "sprinter" (more aptly named "Rock and Roller") I long for a Japanese Shinkasen type experience. If China can do it with their new high speed trains, why can Thailand not do it??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 A Thai friend of mine just returned from Taiwan. His comment as we were driving back from the airport was how backwards Thailand is. In particular, he was referring to having to take a high-speed train between a couple of cities. In Thailand it would be a welcomed addition since the roads don't seem to be getting safer and the current rail system seems to be gettting slower and more dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fresnoboy Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 ROFLMAO High-Speed train in TH ! That really sounds safe !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trogers Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 New targets for those rock throwers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trainman34014 Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Enough said in the original post. It won't happen in our lifetime.......and I've only got another 150 years to live! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbaldwin Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 High Speed train links are normally only economically viable between large cities. Other than Bangkok I do not beleive that any Thai cities are large enough to give sufficient traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue eyes Posted November 8, 2009 Share Posted November 8, 2009 Highway 2 in Issan is just that, a highway that has high speeds on it.While travling this road you have to be perpared to jam on the brakes a every turn.You see they have no problem just taking their cows in large groups across the highway at any location at any time of the day or night. Now imagen a high speed train going twice the speed of what the cars on highway 2 are doing. WOW!!! I sure would not want to be any of those cows or anyone on that train as they cross the tracks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotlost Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Dream on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trogers Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 High Speed train links are normally only economically viable between large cities. Other than Bangkok I do not beleive that any Thai cities are large enough to give sufficient traffic. Viable? Who cares about this? Collecting cheap fares on public buses and on the present national train system is not viable for decades now. Linking large cities? Local minds will use the high-speed train link like a provincial bus, stopping every kilometre.... If average speed of this high-speed train service can be 80 km/h...that's HIGH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 When the sprinter was first introduced, some 20 (?) years ago, it was considered to be the new high-speed train ! IMHO if Thailand ever does build another rail-network, it will be for freight from China to Singapore, with only grudging access (if at all) for passenger-trains. But I still like the existing quaint system ... if I'm not in any hurry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw25rw Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 (edited) China's modern network was built to a schedule rather than a standard. It looks modern and high tech, but don't expect great reliability/safety long term. I don't imagine a Thai network will be built to either a standard or a schedule! Edited November 9, 2009 by tw25rw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubbaJohnny Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Create job relieve the roads boost trade and tourism Some of thr logical reasons it'll not happen soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackr Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 If having a good, high-speed rail network like China, Japan, or Taiwan meant an even remote chance of being all efficient and staid like those countries, I'd rather keep ole Muang Thai as it is with its slow, rickety system. Besides, if people could get to CM in three hours from Bangers, it'd ruin the Rose of the North. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinchester Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 Highway 2 in Issan is just that, a highway that has high speeds on it.While travling this road you have to be perpared to jam on the brakes a every turn.You see they have no problem just taking their cows in large groups across the highway at any location at any time of the day or night.Now imagen a high speed train going twice the speed of what the cars on highway 2 are doing. WOW!!! I sure would not want to be any of those cows or anyone on that train as they cross the tracks. I can imagine a whole chain of beef restaurants springing up the length of the track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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