Chinese deputy prime minister will be in Thailand for railway project talks
Thai PBS

BANGKOK -- China will send a deputy prime minister to hold talks on the joint development of the Nong Khai-Kaeng Khoi-Map Taphut railway project between Thailand and China, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on Tuesday.

The project hits a snag as the Thai side feels that the terms of condition provided by the Chinese counterpart are not favourable and wants a better deal such as the interest rate on loans which the Thai complains as too high.

The prime minister said he had given instruction to one of the deputy prime ministers on the framework of talk to be held with the Chinese deputy prime minister.

For instances, the investments that each side will have to throw into the project, the sharing of benefits between the two parties and private participation in the project, said the prime minister.

Mutual misunderstanding, said the prime minister, has caused a delay of the project and this has to be cleared up.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/chinese-deputy-prime-minister-will-be-in-thailand-for-railway-project-talks

-- Thai PBS 2015-12-15

Chinese prime ministries: "We want our cheap bullet trains"

Thai ruling regime: "Kow-tow, yes big brother..."

Wow, that's the first time I've ever heard the Thais refer to "a mutual misunderstanding" between them and foreigners. Normally the misunderstanding is solely on the part of the foreigner. I guess it makes a difference when it's the Chinese compared to those pesky democracy-loving farang.

The stepchild Dim Sum Train may be one toke over the line unless they will accept a lot of slightly old rice for the 1/2% interest difference. Never mind the interest difference they will send 10,000 people to build the railroad and operate it for 5 years. They will bring 10,000 family members with them. It is a chance to strengthen the Thai-Chinese culture. Bring them on! Riders will be required to understand the announcements in Chinese Thai.

Another misunderstanding (The Nation 2015-12-01):

"The 873-km Thai-Chinese railway project for the country's northeastern line got underway yesterday as scheduled, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said.

"The project was not delayed, he said, adding that even though more details would be added to the system design criteria work, everything was expected to be delivered within December."

The money issue with respect to the 2.5% interest rate has not been settled. This is why the Deputy Chinese PM is coming. All other issues have been resolved.

A Railways of Thailand official said last year that the project was not advantageous to Thailand because it does not have the population density to support high-speed rail in that area so it would be a losing proposition for the Thai people. The Thai government should indeed negotiate a lot of deal sweeteners if the project is to go ahead.

We have had a train going to Nong Khai for many years. I have ridden it several times. There is very little freight and not many passengers on the train. Thailand has train service in the northeast and north for a long time. Why do we need another one to haul Chinese freight. This train is not for Thailand it is for Chinese freight. Vietnam will not allow the Chinese to use their ports so they have conned their step child into building a railroad to haul from Yunnan to Map a Phut. Not only for them to use but Thailand has to pay for it along with a high interest rate.

The money issue with respect to the 2.5% interest rate has not been settled. This is why the Deputy Chinese PM is coming. All other issues have been resolved.

"The prime minister [Prayut] pointed out that there are more issues related to the project than just the contentious interest rate issue. He maintained that negotiations of the project should be based on give and take “for instance, if they cannot reduce the interest rate but they agree to buy rubber from us, that should be taken into consideration.” 2015-12-03

For example:

- the engineering works on some sections of the route, as China reportedly wanted to cut through the mountains (1st phase 75% mountainous).

- purchase of Thai rubber

- purchase of Thai rice

- final details on construction (Bt100 billion apart) and financial costs (excluding interest rates) such as fees.

- clarification of potential special utility side deals.

- source of Chinese loans

- operational responsibility

I wonder if a gushing general will liken this Chinese official to a sexy woman again?