Japanese company eyes investment in Thailand’s rail development

[Lite Beer]

Japanese company eyes investment in Thailand’s rail development

TOKYO, 29 August 2015 (NNT) – A Japanese company has expressed interest to participate in the rail development investment project in Thailand, after both countries established a Memorandum of Understanding on the issue.

The President and Representative Director of Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-Trec) Naoto Miyashita has revealed that the company is interested in developing the Bangkok - Chiang Mai High Speed Train project in Thailand, where the cooperation was established through a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Thailand and Japan.

The 672-kilometer Bangkok - Chiang Mai High Speed Train project will utilize Japan’s Shinkansen technology, capable of reaching speeds of approximately 200 kilometers per hour on the 1.435-meter standard gauge track.

J-Trec is a member company of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) group. The company is capable of manufacturing various types of trains, but specializes in high-speed trains. The company has recently built the E7 series Shinkansen trains, which is the latest generation of bullet trains in the Shinkansen family.

J-Trec is also the manufacturer of trains for the Purple Line MRT project in Bangkok, which are expected to be delivered to Thailand within the next few months.

-- NNT 2015-08-30

[Keira1]

I wonder what's the average speed of the trains today doing Bkk-CM. Takes ages!

[CNXTim]

Aww shucks.

Where is the obligatory photo handshaking on a garland festooned stage by all and sundry in suits?

holding an oversized print of the contract,

with fountain pens in hand?

In the LoS in ain't the same without one of those...

Edited August 30, 2015 by CNXTim

[Charlie Croker]

I hope it turns out better than the last time. "Avoid any bridge building and ensure sufficient funds to actually pay the labour force.'' is my advice.

Edited August 30, 2015 by Charlie Croker

[chainarong]

I take note that the words," investment in Thailand's rail development" , one wonders whether there is enough disposable income to support such a investment, also the line would have to share with freight , as building for passenger alone would be un economical, for those that want to step out of their vehicles, the problem with public transport is that families need transport at the other end and that means costs, the Japanese are good sound business people, one doesn't expect a shoddy arrangement if it comes into fruition , not like the proposed China, OZ free trade agreement, in the fine print, they can bring in Workers from China, which has gone over very well, down under.

[CNXTim]

There is no freight on Shinkansen.

Still waiting to see the all-important photo op....

[davehowden]

I thought this was all a done deal with the Chinese?

[CNXTim]

Almost cracks the blistering pace of 50 KPH, and BTW the old Shinkansen is well in excess of 300 kph the new mag-lev has hit 581 kph. Maybe someone didn't read the back of their tickets when they were riding around for the on board photo op?

Edited August 30, 2015 by CNXTim

[DLock]

Whats the difference in this new rail project and the ones signed back in February?

Or just trotting our old press releases?

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/thailand-and-japan-ink-railway-development-agreement/4221/

[Ricardo]

So will the on-board catering include sushi, then ?

[Carmine6]

Whats the difference in this new rail project and the ones signed back in February?

Or just trotting our old press releases?

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/thailand-and-japan-ink-railway-development-agreement/4221/

That one seems to be related to the plan for a deep water port in Myanmar. Basically rail straight to there, and goods get put onto ships. Cuts a decent amount of time versus sailing down around Malaysia if it all gets done.

That one makes more sense. But if someone wants to waste lots of money building high speed rail to Chiang Mai, I'll try it out.

[OnTheRun]

The Japanese don't have a very good HSE record on their previous railway building ventures in Thailand and Myanmar.

[Srikcir]

As with the Chinese Dual Rail project, this Japanese built JapanJapanese Bangkok - Chiang Mai High Speed Train project will be financed by the Japanese and not by the Thai government. Terms of the loan will probably be about the same as with the Japanese construction of the second stage of the Red Line rail project:

loan period 20 years with six-year grace period

interest rate 0.40%

loan fees 0.20%

This investment is great for Japan's GDP growth but is meaningless for Thailand GDP growth. Somkid needs to convince Prayut that Thailand should shoulder the entire cost of the CMHST as well as putting more equity into the Dual Rail project.