Bangkok-Korat high speed train project to go ahead despite call to revise it

[webfact]

Bangkok-Korat high speed train project to go ahead despite call to revise it



BANGKOK: -- The government yesterday reaffirmed its decision to go ahead with the first high speed train from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat.

The affirmation came as former finance minister Korn Chatikavanich called on the government to revise, reasoning it is not worth investment, and will bring the country in heavy interest burden.

Transport minister Arkhom Termpittayaphaisit affirmed that the 250 kilometre long Thai – China high-speed rail project will move ahead as planned with construction to begin on the Bangkok – Kaeng Koi – Nakhon Ratchasima line first.

This will then be followed by the Bangkok – Hua Hin, Bangkok – Rayong and Bangkok – Chiang Mai lines.

Mr Arkhom reaffirmed the government’s faith in the project stating that they were worth the cost as projections have revealed that 60% of revenues will be generated from real estate and commercial developments along the routes while the remaining 40% will come from passenger fares.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/157491


-- Thai PBS 2016-03-30

[thesetat2013]

God help the first who die on this train due to incompetence on meeting and keeping safety standards

[taony]

"Mr Arkhom reaffirmed the government’s faith in the project stating that they were worth the cost as projections have revealed that 60% of revenues will be generated from real estate and commercial developments along the routes while the remaining 40% will come from passenger fares."

That doesn't say that revenues will be more than the costs.

[jerojero]

Can't maintain or manage the short Airport Rail link properly, and they're taking on country wide high-speed rail? Trying to show the world they are modern or 1st world, but will fail miserably in this case I'm afraid. Too bad hundreds billions will be spent on this lost cause.

[phoenixdoglover]

Mr Arkhom reaffirmed the government’s faith in the project stating that they were worth the cost as projections have revealed that 60% of revenues will be generated from real estate and commercial developments along the routes while the remaining 40% will come from passenger fares.

There is a common scam used by government officials relating to public works and infrastructure development, and it goes like this:

- plan a major project which depends on the acquisition or re-purposing of large tracts of land

- work with a small group of investors to tie up as much of the land as possible before the government publicizes the location

- wait for the project, and promote it as a wonderful thing

- cash in on the sudden increased value of the land

I'm not saying this is happening in the case of this rail line, in which 60% of the projected revenues have something to do with the adjoining land. Such a thing would never happen in Thailand.

[NongKhaiKid]

Lots of face involved in announcing this project.

Massive loss of face if it has to be revised or the unthinkable now, cancelled.

[Hawk]

When its about money the greed is unending!

[Oziex1]

I look forward to the lame excuses as to who took the money or where it went.

I hope we get the preemptive, I have done nothing wrong by folks who have not even been accused of anything.

[yellowboat]

Maybe the junta is looking to top the rice scandal ?

[scoooooby]

I say HERE HERE as fed up with the bus, especially as it used to take 3.5 hrs and now an hour longer due to them controlling the speed......well I know you take a gamble on a bus ride, but there again you take a gamble every time you use the road !

[jamesbrock]

This Korn guy has quite an impressive CV.

Korn Chatikavanich was born in London, England. His father was Commissioner of the Customs Department, Commissioner of the Revenue Department, and Director of the Fiscal Policy Office. Korn read politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St. John's College, University of Oxford and graduated with honours.

Korn worked in asset management at SG Warburg while a student and joined the firm after his graduation. He left Warburg and returned to Thailand in 1988, founding J.F. Thanakorn, a joint venture between Jardine Flemings and Finance One. JF Thakakom became the Kingdom's largest brokerage by 1995-6 and became the first Thai investment bank to manage a public takeover, as well as the first to lead manage a Euro-convertible for a Thai firm, with Korn at the helm. In 1999, JF Thanakom was sold to JP Morgan (later JP MorganChase). Korn stayed on serving as President of J.P. Morgan (Thailand) Limited from 2000 to 2004.

Korn left JP Morgan in October 2004, joined the Democrat Party to run for office, and subsequently went on to win a seat in Bangkok’s 2nd constituency (Sathorn – Yannawa) in the general elections of February 2005. After the defeat of the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva replaced Banyat Banthadthan as Democrat Party leader. Korn was appointed Deputy Secretary General and Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Party. He became a vocal member of the opposition to the government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. During the same period, Korn played a major role in examining the economic policies of Thaksin's government including the Shin Corporation Deal Scandal.

Korn was appointed Finance Minister in the Abhisit administration in December 2009.

Korn's significant achievements as Minister of Finance include: a 117-billion-baht stimulus package initiated in January 2009 and a second stimulus package, valued over 1.4 trillion baht over 2010 - 2012. Most of the funds was spent in improving infrastructure in Thailand especially in the area of irrigation and transportation, public health, education, and tourism.

Korn also focused on policies that helped addressed social inequality and poverty such as pushing through the draft bill on land and building tax (property tax) in the Thai cabinet in April 2010 a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul the country's tax structure as the first step toward achieving a balanced budget.

Additionally, Korn helped refinance loan-shark debt for over 500,000 individuals, many of whom were being charged more than 100% per annum interest for their loans.

In January 2010, Korn was awarded "Finance Minister of the Year 2010" for both global and Asia Pacific regions by the Banker magazine of the Financial Times. The magazine complimented the Thai minister on his "financial management skills as he assumed the finance ministerial position in Thailand amid the economic stagnation. In addition, he was given credit for his contributions to promote and enhance financial and economic cooperation in ASEAN. Korn is the only Thai to have received both awards.

In 2010, given that Thailand had recorded impressive economic recovery despite its political turmoil, Korn was also considered for Euromoney magazine's Finance Minister of the Year award. However, that year the prize was given to Alexei Kudrin for his role in enabling Russia to pay off its foreign debt early.

As then Chair of the ASEAN Finance Ministers' meetings in 2009, Korn was also credited for helping with the creation of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

After the Democrats were defeated in the 2011 election, Korn's term as finance minister ended and he subsequently took on the role of Shadow Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in Abhisit Vejjajiva's shadow cabinet. He was replaced by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) economist Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

In May 2011, the editorial pages of both the Japan Times and the South China Morning Post mentioned Korn as a possible candidate to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for "his deep understanding of financial markets". Moreover, it was mentioned that the position should not be limited to candidates exclusively from the US and the European Union, as there were many good candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

When it comes to finances, he seems to know his stuff. The good general, on the other hand...

[wabothai]

No wonder other countries than China want to invest in Thailand.

[bheard]

I say HERE HERE as fed up with the bus, especially as it used to take 3.5 hrs and now an hour longer due to them controlling the speed......well I know you take a gamble on a bus ride, but there again you take a gamble every time you use the road !

I take it you mean HEAR HEAR, and yes that particular bus trip is horrendous. Aren't they all!

However I travel on the train BKK to Korat and it's, errr, horrendous also, but at least it is safe!.

The country does not need trophy fast trains lines, it needs the existing system expanded, improved and maintained.

And what another correspondant observed is true - the MO is to forewarn their monied mates, they buy up the land along the way, and profit greatly when the line is built. This is what is going on with the extension of the Skytrain heading west along the road past WongWian. Lots of flash apartment blocks springing up there.

[borisloosebrain]

This Korn guy has quite an impressive CV.

Korn Chatikavanich was born in London, England. His father was Commissioner of the Customs Department, Commissioner of the Revenue Department, and Director of the Fiscal Policy Office. Korn read politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St. John's College, University of Oxford and graduated with honours.

Korn worked in asset management at SG Warburg while a student and joined the firm after his graduation. He left Warburg and returned to Thailand in 1988, founding J.F. Thanakorn, a joint venture between Jardine Flemings and Finance One. JF Thakakom became the Kingdom's largest brokerage by 1995-6 and became the first Thai investment bank to manage a public takeover, as well as the first to lead manage a Euro-convertible for a Thai firm, with Korn at the helm. In 1999, JF Thanakom was sold to JP Morgan (later JP MorganChase). Korn stayed on serving as President of J.P. Morgan (Thailand) Limited from 2000 to 2004.

Korn left JP Morgan in October 2004, joined the Democrat Party to run for office, and subsequently went on to win a seat in Bangkoks 2nd constituency (Sathorn Yannawa) in the general elections of February 2005. After the defeat of the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva replaced Banyat Banthadthan as Democrat Party leader. Korn was appointed Deputy Secretary General and Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Party. He became a vocal member of the opposition to the government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. During the same period, Korn played a major role in examining the economic policies of Thaksin's government including the Shin Corporation Deal Scandal.

Korn was appointed Finance Minister in the Abhisit administration in December 2009.

Korn's significant achievements as Minister of Finance include: a 117-billion-baht stimulus package initiated in January 2009 and a second stimulus package, valued over 1.4 trillion baht over 2010 - 2012. Most of the funds was spent in improving infrastructure in Thailand especially in the area of irrigation and transportation, public health, education, and tourism.

Korn also focused on policies that helped addressed social inequality and poverty such as pushing through the draft bill on land and building tax (property tax) in the Thai cabinet in April 2010 a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul the country's tax structure as the first step toward achieving a balanced budget.

Additionally, Korn helped refinance loan-shark debt for over 500,000 individuals, many of whom were being charged more than 100% per annum interest for their loans.

In January 2010, Korn was awarded "Finance Minister of the Year 2010" for both global and Asia Pacific regions by the Banker magazine of the Financial Times. The magazine complimented the Thai minister on his "financial management skills as he assumed the finance ministerial position in Thailand amid the economic stagnation. In addition, he was given credit for his contributions to promote and enhance financial and economic cooperation in ASEAN. Korn is the only Thai to have received both awards.

In 2010, given that Thailand had recorded impressive economic recovery despite its political turmoil, Korn was also considered for Euromoney magazine's Finance Minister of the Year award. However, that year the prize was given to Alexei Kudrin for his role in enabling Russia to pay off its foreign debt early.

As then Chair of the ASEAN Finance Ministers' meetings in 2009, Korn was also credited for helping with the creation of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

After the Democrats were defeated in the 2011 election, Korn's term as finance minister ended and he subsequently took on the role of Shadow Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in Abhisit Vejjajiva's shadow cabinet. He was replaced by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) economist Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

In May 2011, the editorial pages of both the Japan Times and the South China Morning Post mentioned Korn as a possible candidate to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the International M onetary Fund (IMF) for "his deep understanding of financial markets". Moreover, it was mentioned that the position should not be limited to candidates exclusively from the US and the European Union, as there were many good candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

When it comes to finances, he seems to know his stuff. The good general, on the other hand...

Thai politics could do with a few more like him. I've see him interviewed in English a few times. He's a smart guy and at the opposite end of the spectrum to the current bunch of numnuts when it comes to competence and integrity

[borisloosebrain]

Topping up the retirement funds, it's a great time to be in uniform.

[Chongalulu]

This Korn guy has quite an impressive CV.

Korn Chatikavanich was born in London, England. His father was Commissioner of the Customs Department, Commissioner of the Revenue Department, and Director of the Fiscal Policy Office. Korn read politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St. John's College, University of Oxford and graduated with honours.

Korn worked in asset management at SG Warburg while a student and joined the firm after his graduation. He left Warburg and returned to Thailand in 1988, founding J.F. Thanakorn, a joint venture between Jardine Flemings and Finance One. JF Thakakom became the Kingdom's largest brokerage by 1995-6 and became the first Thai investment bank to manage a public takeover, as well as the first to lead manage a Euro-convertible for a Thai firm, with Korn at the helm. In 1999, JF Thanakom was sold to JP Morgan (later JP MorganChase). Korn stayed on serving as President of J.P. Morgan (Thailand) Limited from 2000 to 2004.

Korn left JP Morgan in October 2004, joined the Democrat Party to run for office, and subsequently went on to win a seat in Bangkoks 2nd constituency (Sathorn Yannawa) in the general elections of February 2005. After the defeat of the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva replaced Banyat Banthadthan as Democrat Party leader. Korn was appointed Deputy Secretary General and Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Party. He became a vocal member of the opposition to the government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. During the same period, Korn played a major role in examining the economic policies of Thaksin's government including the Shin Corporation Deal Scandal.

Korn was appointed Finance Minister in the Abhisit administration in December 2009.

Korn's significant achievements as Minister of Finance include: a 117-billion-baht stimulus package initiated in January 2009 and a second stimulus package, valued over 1.4 trillion baht over 2010 - 2012. Most of the funds was spent in improving infrastructure in Thailand especially in the area of irrigation and transportation, public health, education, and tourism.

Korn also focused on policies that helped addressed social inequality and poverty such as pushing through the draft bill on land and building tax (property tax) in the Thai cabinet in April 2010 a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul the country's tax structure as the first step toward achieving a balanced budget.

Additionally, Korn helped refinance loan-shark debt for over 500,000 individuals, many of whom were being charged more than 100% per annum interest for their loans.

In January 2010, Korn was awarded "Finance Minister of the Year 2010" for both global and Asia Pacific regions by the Banker magazine of the Financial Times. The magazine complimented the Thai minister on his "financial management skills as he assumed the finance ministerial position in Thailand amid the economic stagnation. In addition, he was given credit for his contributions to promote and enhance financial and economic cooperation in ASEAN. Korn is the only Thai to have received both awards.

In 2010, given that Thailand had recorded impressive economic recovery despite its political turmoil, Korn was also considered for Euromoney magazine's Finance Minister of the Year award. However, that year the prize was given to Alexei Kudrin for his role in enabling Russia to pay off its foreign debt early.

As then Chair of the ASEAN Finance Ministers' meetings in 2009, Korn was also credited for helping with the creation of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

After the Democrats were defeated in the 2011 election, Korn's term as finance minister ended and he subsequently took on the role of Shadow Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in Abhisit Vejjajiva's shadow cabinet. He was replaced by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) economist Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

In May 2011, the editorial pages of both the Japan Times and the South China Morning Post mentioned Korn as a possible candidate to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the International M onetary Fund (IMF) for "his deep understanding of financial markets". Moreover, it was mentioned that the position should not be limited to candidates exclusively from the US and the European Union, as there were many good candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

When it comes to finances, he seems to know his stuff. The good general, on the other hand...

Thai politics could do with a few more like him. I've see him interviewed in English a few times. He's a smart guy and at the opposite end of the spectrum to the current bunch of numnuts when it comes to competence and integrity

And there in lies the heart of the problem..his competence...

[Oziex1]

This Korn guy has quite an impressive CV.

Korn Chatikavanich was born in London, England. His father was Commissioner of the Customs Department, Commissioner of the Revenue Department, and Director of the Fiscal Policy Office. Korn read politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St. John's College, University of Oxford and graduated with honours.

Korn worked in asset management at SG Warburg while a student and joined the firm after his graduation. He left Warburg and returned to Thailand in 1988, founding J.F. Thanakorn, a joint venture between Jardine Flemings and Finance One. JF Thakakom became the Kingdom's largest brokerage by 1995-6 and became the first Thai investment bank to manage a public takeover, as well as the first to lead manage a Euro-convertible for a Thai firm, with Korn at the helm. In 1999, JF Thanakom was sold to JP Morgan (later JP MorganChase). Korn stayed on serving as President of J.P. Morgan (Thailand) Limited from 2000 to 2004.

Korn left JP Morgan in October 2004, joined the Democrat Party to run for office, and subsequently went on to win a seat in Bangkoks 2nd constituency (Sathorn Yannawa) in the general elections of February 2005. After the defeat of the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva replaced Banyat Banthadthan as Democrat Party leader. Korn was appointed Deputy Secretary General and Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Party. He became a vocal member of the opposition to the government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. During the same period, Korn played a major role in examining the economic policies of Thaksin's government including the Shin Corporation Deal Scandal.

Korn was appointed Finance Minister in the Abhisit administration in December 2009.

Korn's significant achievements as Minister of Finance include: a 117-billion-baht stimulus package initiated in January 2009 and a second stimulus package, valued over 1.4 trillion baht over 2010 - 2012. Most of the funds was spent in improving infrastructure in Thailand especially in the area of irrigation and transportation, public health, education, and tourism.

Korn also focused on policies that helped addressed social inequality and poverty such as pushing through the draft bill on land and building tax (property tax) in the Thai cabinet in April 2010 a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul the country's tax structure as the first step toward achieving a balanced budget.

Additionally, Korn helped refinance loan-shark debt for over 500,000 individuals, many of whom were being charged more than 100% per annum interest for their loans.

In January 2010, Korn was awarded "Finance Minister of the Year 2010" for both global and Asia Pacific regions by the Banker magazine of the Financial Times. The magazine complimented the Thai minister on his "financial management skills as he assumed the finance ministerial position in Thailand amid the economic stagnation. In addition, he was given credit for his contributions to promote and enhance financial and economic cooperation in ASEAN. Korn is the only Thai to have received both awards.

In 2010, given that Thailand had recorded impressive economic recovery despite its political turmoil, Korn was also considered for Euromoney magazine's Finance Minister of the Year award. However, that year the prize was given to Alexei Kudrin for his role in enabling Russia to pay off its foreign debt early.

As then Chair of the ASEAN Finance Ministers' meetings in 2009, Korn was also credited for helping with the creation of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

After the Democrats were defeated in the 2011 election, Korn's term as finance minister ended and he subsequently took on the role of Shadow Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in Abhisit Vejjajiva's shadow cabinet. He was replaced by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) economist Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

In May 2011, the editorial pages of both the Japan Times and the South China Morning Post mentioned Korn as a possible candidate to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the International M onetary Fund (IMF) for "his deep understanding of financial markets". Moreover, it was mentioned that the position should not be limited to candidates exclusively from the US and the European Union, as there were many good candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

When it comes to finances, he seems to know his stuff. The good general, on the other hand...

Thai politics could do with a few more like him. I've see him interviewed in English a few times. He's a smart guy and at the opposite end of the spectrum to the current bunch of numnuts when it comes to competence and integrity

How on earth does a guy like Korn exist among the thieves the blithering fools and the rotters he must be surrounded by.

[PETERTHEEATER]

This will then be followed by the Bangkok – Hua Hin, Bangkok

Ooooh! Dual track for the weekenders. Don't stick your heads out of the windows when two trains are passing.........

[tuanku]

This Korn guy has quite an impressive CV.

Korn Chatikavanich was born in London, England. His father was Commissioner of the Customs Department, Commissioner of the Revenue Department, and Director of the Fiscal Policy Office. Korn read politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at St. John's College, University of Oxford and graduated with honours.

Korn worked in asset management at SG Warburg while a student and joined the firm after his graduation. He left Warburg and returned to Thailand in 1988, founding J.F. Thanakorn, a joint venture between Jardine Flemings and Finance One. JF Thakakom became the Kingdom's largest brokerage by 1995-6 and became the first Thai investment bank to manage a public takeover, as well as the first to lead manage a Euro-convertible for a Thai firm, with Korn at the helm. In 1999, JF Thanakom was sold to JP Morgan (later JP MorganChase). Korn stayed on serving as President of J.P. Morgan (Thailand) Limited from 2000 to 2004.

Korn left JP Morgan in October 2004, joined the Democrat Party to run for office, and subsequently went on to win a seat in Bangkok’s 2nd constituency (Sathorn – Yannawa) in the general elections of February 2005. After the defeat of the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva replaced Banyat Banthadthan as Democrat Party leader. Korn was appointed Deputy Secretary General and Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Party. He became a vocal member of the opposition to the government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. During the same period, Korn played a major role in examining the economic policies of Thaksin's government including the Shin Corporation Deal Scandal.

Korn was appointed Finance Minister in the Abhisit administration in December 2009.

Korn's significant achievements as Minister of Finance include: a 117-billion-baht stimulus package initiated in January 2009 and a second stimulus package, valued over 1.4 trillion baht over 2010 - 2012. Most of the funds was spent in improving infrastructure in Thailand especially in the area of irrigation and transportation, public health, education, and tourism.

Korn also focused on policies that helped addressed social inequality and poverty such as pushing through the draft bill on land and building tax (property tax) in the Thai cabinet in April 2010 a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul the country's tax structure as the first step toward achieving a balanced budget.

Additionally, Korn helped refinance loan-shark debt for over 500,000 individuals, many of whom were being charged more than 100% per annum interest for their loans.

In January 2010, Korn was awarded "Finance Minister of the Year 2010" for both global and Asia Pacific regions by the Banker magazine of the Financial Times. The magazine complimented the Thai minister on his "financial management skills as he assumed the finance ministerial position in Thailand amid the economic stagnation. In addition, he was given credit for his contributions to promote and enhance financial and economic cooperation in ASEAN. Korn is the only Thai to have received both awards.

In 2010, given that Thailand had recorded impressive economic recovery despite its political turmoil, Korn was also considered for Euromoney magazine's Finance Minister of the Year award. However, that year the prize was given to Alexei Kudrin for his role in enabling Russia to pay off its foreign debt early.

As then Chair of the ASEAN Finance Ministers' meetings in 2009, Korn was also credited for helping with the creation of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a regional foreign reserve pool in case of currency flow shortage.

After the Democrats were defeated in the 2011 election, Korn's term as finance minister ended and he subsequently took on the role of Shadow Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in Abhisit Vejjajiva's shadow cabinet. He was replaced by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) economist Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

In May 2011, the editorial pages of both the Japan Times and the South China Morning Post mentioned Korn as a possible candidate to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for "his deep understanding of financial markets". Moreover, it was mentioned that the position should not be limited to candidates exclusively from the US and the European Union, as there were many good candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

When it comes to finances, he seems to know his stuff. The good general, on the other hand...

On the other hand, the good General is also a bit of a financial wizard as he has managed to accumulate several hundred times what his official salary would indicate.

[Eric Loh]

Many wonder why Somkid was preferred over Korn and he is from a loyalist party. Maybe too many questions still needed to be answered regarding the post 1997 assets fire sales and the Strong Thailand corruptions.

[willyumiii]

"60% of revenues will be generated from real estate and commercial developments along the routes "

​Assuming that these developments will require stops for the trains, just how "high speed" will the train be with all of these stops?

[Emster23]

Once the money train leaves the station, there is no derailing it, unlike the actual physical trains here

[razer]

Korat? Why Korat? Will that line get a return on investment within 200 years?

[Ricardo]

"the 250 kilometre long Thai – China high-speed rail project will move ahead as planned"

The announcement a few days ago said, this would be a Thai-financed high-speed line for passengers, so that freight could then use the old metre-gauge lines.

Yet now the OP suggests that this is part of the proposed (but temporarily postponed) Chinese medium-speed mainly-freight system, after all ? The one which was supposedly started a few months ago, with a flag-planting ceremony ?

With confusion & conflicting-announcements like this, it's a good thing that it won't actually get built just yet, as the financing & objectives seem to change by-the-day, just as they have for over a decade previously.

God help any businessman who actually tries to plan any real-world investment, based on this confused changed-daily mish-mash of a strategy, it all continues to show why it was a mistake to let Thai government anywhere near the Chinese government's scheme.

[gandalf12]

It is a challenge for Japan band they have an immense amount of knowledge of high speed trains. Thailand has no knowledge and as has been shown numerous times can not be counted on to provide a high level of maintenance.

The project should be forgotten about. Leave it to countries that have considerable knowledge of such things.

As for safety that will be a disaster. Another thing that has not been mentioned is the expected fare for the passenger. My guess is it will be super high and only a few people will ever use it. Will it be like everything else here one price for locals and 10x for foreigners?

At least with oxen they never had fatal crashes

[Langsuan Man]

"Mr Arkhom reaffirmed the government’s faith in the project stating that they were worth the cost as projections have revealed that 60% of revenues will be generated from real estate and commercial developments along the routes while the remaining 40% will come from passenger fares."

That doesn't say that revenues will be more than the costs.

Anyone want to guess who owns all the : real estate and commercial developments along the routes