Thailand Plans US$70 bln Infrastructure Investment: PM

[exeter]

.

In just two schemes...

2,210,040,000,000.00 Baht + 349,923,000,000.00 Baht = a staggering expenditure

.

Are you saying that the"yellow brick roads" will go to Issan?

[Buchholz]

In just two schemes...

2,210,040,000,000.00 Baht + 349,923,000,000.00 Baht = a staggering expenditure

Are you saying that the"yellow brick roads" will go to Issan?

a high-speed yellow brick road to his own Chiang Mai takes precedence over the needs of fodder.

[mrtoad]

No harm in spending money on the country's infrastructure providing it is done in such a way as to benefit everybody as opposed to a few people in one's home town. Their past record would suggest that it is likely to favour their strong holds.

With 20-30% of the cash going into their cliques pockets. Let the feeding at the trough begin.

Edited March 25, 2012 by mrtoad

[FarangTalk]

More tourist go to Chiang Mai than the combined number of the cities mentioned

All the more reason to avoid it IMO!

[FarangTalk]

What is amusing, are the posters trying to find fault with linking Thailand's capital (and biggest city) to Thailand's second biggest city.

Surely the logical basis for the start of any proper national rail network and undeniably a necessary trade and tourism route.

[phiphidon]

A dangerous question? For who?

Aside from that most important point is that the minimum wage in Thailand has not even kept close to inflation, especially in the past year, and that needs to be addressed throughout the country..

For anybody who questions the judiciary of course. Don't you remember the democrat "dissolution" case? Query the messenger not the message. There is to be no questioning of the judicial system - the junta made sure of that. For further reading on why the judiciary being too powerful is a bad thing read:

http://bangkokpundit...s-custodes.html

What are you talking about the PMs address was about infastructure spending, stay on topic.

Read the OP, perfectly on topic, thank you. I was responding to a posters question if thats OK with you.

Asked how she would assess the fairness of the judicial system five years after the coup, to laughter and applause Yingluck replied: "I think you ask a very dangerous question."

[trainman34014]

What is amusing, are the posters trying to find fault with linking Thailand's capital (and biggest city) to Thailand's second biggest city.

Surely the logical basis for the start of any proper national rail network and undeniably a necessary trade and tourism route.

They can find fault with it and argue over it forever because they will not live to see it completed, or will be too frigging old to ever use it. The cost estimates for this project are way below what it will really cost as the 'expertise' and a lot of the materials required to build a truly high speed rail link will have to be imported, and that will be a lot more expensive than they imagine. Add to that the rising cost of the project not being started right now but 'sometime soon', and the whole thing looks more impossible, or improbable, at every moment.

[hellodolly]

What is amusing, are the posters trying to find fault with linking Thailand's capital (and biggest city) to Thailand's second biggest city.

Surely the logical basis for the start of any proper national rail network and undeniably a necessary trade and tourism route.

They can find fault with it and argue over it forever because they will not live to see it completed, or will be too frigging old to ever use it. The cost estimates for this project are way below what it will really cost as the 'expertise' and a lot of the materials required to build a truly high speed rail link will have to be imported, and that will be a lot more expensive than they imagine. Add to that the rising cost of the project not being started right now but 'sometime soon', and the whole thing looks more impossible, or improbable, at every moment.

Seems to me about two years ago there was a thread on the size of the cities in Thailand and Chiang Mai came in about fifth biggest.

But to be fair it is the City that Shinawta's come from and the big brother in Dubai maintains a home in.

[zakk9]

Thai politicians have been talking about investments in infrastructure and throwing big figures around for as long as I can remember. The last decade, it has resulted in:

- 4 different rail systems in the capital with four different ticketing systems and little or no coordination between the 4.

- An almost brand new airport that is already too small and falling apart in many areas, leading them to shuffle traffic back to the old airport that was completely flooded only four months ago and with no viable transport system between the two.

- Lots of new motorways in the Bangkok area for those who can afford a car, leading to even heavier traffic congestions in the city.

- No functional railway system outside Bangkok, unless one count antiquated trains travelling at an average of 50-60 kph and derail frequently as public transport.

- Hardly any organised public transport outside Bangkok, unless one counts riding pillion on a motorbike wearing a plastic bucket on one's head public transport.

- Hardly any coordination between public transport offerings in Bangkok. The relatively new Mo Chit bus station is close to three different rail systems, but cannot be accessed from any of them without a relatively long taxi ride, Ekamai bus station, where 30 minutes could be shaved off every single trip by moving it to Bang Na near one of the new BTS-stations etc.

- One of the few modern, dual track railroads are between Bangkok and Chachoengsao. Want to commute? Last train leaves Bangkok around 18.00 hrs.

And the list goes on.

Thailand is of course entitled to do what they want with regards to infrastructure, but it's hard not to notice how the neighbouring countries, even the poor, little, recently war ridden Cambodia manage to build infrastructure while Thailand doesn't seem to go anywhere except building roads outside the cities. Sidewalks? Forget about it, and even those that have been built are mostly so badly maintained that walking isn't an option.

If Thailand had been a poor country, this would all have been very understandable. But Thailand isn't a poor country. It's the home of hugely successful tourist, agriculture, electronic and mechanical industries, all of which bring loads of foreign currency into the nation. Even considering all the corruption, this disharmony is sometimes hard to understand.

Edited March 25, 2012 by zakk9

[tlansford]

Regarding the rail link to her favourite city, it ends at that point. And it incorporates only one of the top 7 cities in the Kingdom. Looking from an unbiased point, isn't it more sense to have the rail link VIA Korat=Khon Khen=Udon Thani-to Nong Khai= to then transfer to rail into Laos. This route would be more profitable because it's end is at a border--and it incorporates 3 of the 7 largest cities of Thailand, thus having more customers to serve, leading to more profit---anyone agree??? This Chiang Mai line makes me pewk to the fact thats it is for her and family benefit-and other hangers on.

The TGV started with a link from Paris to Lyon 30 years ago.

Now it services all of France as well as cities like London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt, Rome, etc.

Getting started is just the first step. But it is an essential step

[473geo]

Have they moved Dawei to Chiangmai now?

The ITD project is a great opportunity for China to shorten the delivery time to the emerging African and existing European markets, to link to Yangon would serve that purpose, but I am confident should this routing become a major trade lane the ITD project would appreciate a modern rail link into either Yangon, or a link through to China, hence the question in my statement. It would also make sense to have a good distribution network from Tavoy to the north of Thailand, so if the rail project does link into te ITD project makes sense to have it run up the eastern side.

But I think you were probably trying to show your knowledge in that Tavoy has undergone a name change, rather than your understanding of the potential impact on freight trade lanes out of China

[metisdead]

Nonsense posts baiting other posters have been removed.

[Reasonableman]

More to the point is that is a long way from Yangon and any major infrastructure. The Chinese will probably pour more money in, but I'm not sure Thailand's interest will be uppermost in their minds. If you've visited that area you would know what a huge challenge that is, and how far China is from Dawei. BTW, that is its name, so no brownie points for knowing that. It is still called Tavoy on many maps. Cheers!

Have they moved Dawei to Chiangmai now?

The ITD project is a great opportunity for China to shorten the delivery time to the emerging African and existing European markets, to link to Yangon would serve that purpose, but I am confident should this routing become a major trade lane the ITD project would appreciate a modern rail link into either Yangon, or a link through to China, hence the question in my statement. It would also make sense to have a good distribution network from Tavoy to the north of Thailand, so if the rail project does link into te ITD project makes sense to have it run up the eastern side.

But I think you were probably trying to show your knowledge in that Tavoy has undergone a name change, rather than your understanding of the potential impact on freight trade lanes out of China

[473geo]

More to the point is that is a long way from Yangon and any major infrastructure. The Chinese will probably pour more money in, but I'm not sure Thailand's interest will be uppermost in their minds. If you've visited that area you would know what a huge challenge that is, and how far China is from Dawei. BTW, that is its name, so no brownie points for knowing that. It is still called Tavoy on many maps. Cheers!

Have they moved Dawei to Chiangmai now?

The ITD project is a great opportunity for China to shorten the delivery time to the emerging African and existing European markets, to link to Yangon would serve that purpose, but I am confident should this routing become a major trade lane the ITD project would appreciate a modern rail link into either Yangon, or a link through to China, hence the question in my statement. It would also make sense to have a good distribution network from Tavoy to the north of Thailand, so if the rail project does link into te ITD project makes sense to have it run up the eastern side.

But I think you were probably trying to show your knowledge in that Tavoy has undergone a name change, rather than your understanding of the potential impact on freight trade lanes out of China

May well be a challenge.....there are rail links from China to Europe, and tunneling has advanced to a fine art these days so not unachievable to link China to Dawei (Tavoy) via Chiang Mai I think

Edited March 25, 2012 by 473geo

[ginjag]

Tiansford #40, Your European info is well known and is an example of communications, BUT....You didn't comment on my observation of WHY the Chiang Mai line. ??? When most people Know that more traffic will be on the Korat-K.Khen Udon-Nong Kai--Laos-china route. A poster said Chiang mai is visited by Tourists more than the N.East---rubbish= Air maybe. But put a fast rail service on the N.East route, and it would win hands down. As I said it would be a route to serve all people, not just tourists-as they only figure 6% of income __so they say. I will argue that to my Knowledge Korat Khon Khen and Udon have passed Chiang mai population recently, according to most persons I know in the Issan area.

[tlansford]

Tiansford #40, Your European info is well known and is an example of communications, BUT....You didn't comment on my observation of WHY the Chiang Mai line. ??? When most people Know that more traffic will be on the Korat-K.Khen Udon-Nong Kai--Laos-china route. A poster said Chiang mai is visited by Tourists more than the N.East---rubbish= Air maybe. But put a fast rail service on the N.East route, and it would win hands down. As I said it would be a route to serve all people, not just tourists-as they only figure 6% of income __so they say. I will argue that to my Knowledge Korat Khon Khen and Udon have passed Chiang mai population recently, according to most persons I know in the Issan area.

Sorry, I can't tell you why the Chiang Mai line. Does it really make no sense what-so-ever?

Hey, I'd be happy if they did the Udon line first. But I think that this investment - across the board as well as the transportation part - is a good direction.

I'm not sure they'll get it right the first time, or even the second or third, but if the government applies itself over the long term, there is no doubt that they'll have a much better infrastructure. The TGV has been 30 years in the making.

I can imagine (speculating, here) that upgrading the existing lines would bring significant cost/benefit value for Thailand as well.

[ginjag]

Tiansford, government intention good-DIRECTION wrong. I agree updating would be a better start - 2 lines to serve NE-and NW. 6 way traffic on the roads but 1 way on rail. If they updated, and when the future engines are bought they just have to place them on the rails. how many more years and corrupt dealing have we to wait for. Get some freight on rail, save the roads,especially from Laos-to BKK and the 2nd 3rd 4th biggest cities have to bow down to Chiang mai. where the rail ends. what a shame.

Edited March 25, 2012 by ginjag

[Bagwan]

What is amusing, are the posters trying to find fault with linking Thailand's capital (and biggest city) to Thailand's second biggest city.

Surely the logical basis for the start of any proper national rail network and undeniably a necessary trade and tourism route.

I have no idea about volumes and income earning of the various cities and areas of Thailand but I wonder whether a greater priority should be given to a high speed link from BKK to Laem Chabang, Pattaya and Rayong. This is based on my observation of lorry and passenger traffic along that corridor. What manufacturing is carried out around Chang Mai? Does CM attract more tourists than Pattaya and its environs? Any guru with an interest in such matters, and is in touch with reality, care to put out some figures?.

BTW I noticed that China recently suspended all their hi-speed train services. Where are Stephenson and Brunel when you need them?

Edited March 25, 2012 by Bagwan

[metisdead]

A post in violation of forum rule 15 has been removed.

[ginjag]

Bagwan-your Rayong and my Korat-K Khen-Udon Nong Khai is a far better idea than the solitary C.M. Family""" line. we are talking -trade-tourist-Thai persons taking in 5 major cities. not 1.

[473geo]

Bagwan-your Rayong and my Korat-K Khen-Udon Nong Khai is a far better idea than the solitary C.M. Family""" line. we are talking -trade-tourist-Thai persons taking in 5 major cities. not 1.

I do believe there is no mention in the OP that improvements to other lines will not take place.......perhaps you are making too much of a blank page