Thailand, China agree on $5 billion cost for rail project's first phase

[webfact]

Thailand, China agree on $5 billion cost for rail project's first phase

 

BANGKOK: -- China and Thailand agreed on Wednesday that the first phase of a planned high-speed railway project will cost 179 billion baht ($5.15 billion), Thailand's transport minister said, with both countries calling for closer ties following rocky negotiations.

 

The 873 km (542 miles) rail line will link Thailand's border with Laos to the ports and industrial zones in Thailand's east.

 

Beijing has ambitious railway plans to connect the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming to Thailand, through Laos, and Thailand wants to modernize its aging rail network.

 

Full story: http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-china-railway-idUKKCN11R0Q1

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2016-09-21

[jamesbrock]

30-40% in "brokerage fees" for government projects - going to be some very rich <ahem> "brokers."

[JAG]

56 minutes ago, jamesbrock said:

30-40% in "brokerage fees" for government projects - going to be some very rich <ahem> "brokers."

 

Ironical really, what with the economy going "broke"....

 

Still, at least they are "good people".

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

So a couple of not so transparent or democratic Thai Chines and mainland Chines leaders has finally agreed how to split the "gravy".  

[LawrenceChee]

The Thais saw what Laos is getting and worried about missing the freight train of success exports to china

Happy to see it happen ....eventually when I retire the network here will improve and will make some interesting train rides


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[Srikcir]

"This project will cost 179 billion baht. This is what we agreed upon," Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith

In January 2015 it was anounced that the first phase would cost 170 billion baht.

Outstanding negotiations by the Chinese. Maybe the 9 billion baht difference should come out of Arkhom's pocket.

No mention on whether both countries agreed to the interest rate to be paid by Thailand, nor allowing the Chinese development rights along the right of way.

[ratcatcher]

The 873 km (542 miles) rail line will link Thailand's border with Laos to the ports and industrial zones in Thailand's east."

Is there any country in the world that moves freight on " High Speed Trains", as we know them (in excess of 250kph) ?

[Eric Loh]

Slam dunk agreement. No pesky parliment to debate the cost. No oppositions questioning and petition the courts to examine the loan or the funding source. Nothing transparent and forthcoming about the cost details. Just what the junta prescribe. 

[KMartinHandyman]

The 873 km (542 miles) rail line will link Thailand's border with Laos to the ports and industrial zones in Thailand's east."

Is there any country in the world that moves freight on " High Speed Trains", as we know them (in excess of 250kph) ?

Doubtful of true high speed and merely a cheaper and faster way for Chinese goods to get to Thai and world markets. Seems foolish to assist a manufacturing competitor to get their goods to market.

[MaiChai]

Looking at the geography between China and Thailand, this seems like a cunning planning by the Chinese to flood Thailand with cheap Chinese goods?

[ratcatcher]

2 minutes ago, MaiChai said:

Looking at the geography between China and Thailand, this seems like a cunning planning by the Chinese to flood Thailand with cheap Chinese goods?

why, it isn't already?

[kannot]

Great Ill stick the car on the  train to avoid the holes in the road...................waste of ferking  money