Thailand expects to complete its first high -speed rail network, which connects the country with China through Laos in 2030, long -term delayed projects’ officials advertised as key to promoting bilateral relations and trade between the two countries.
The construction of the first phase connects the province of Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasim currently about 36% of the completion, said the government’s statement Jirai Hungsub. Design for the second stage that will distribute the railway line to the north -east border province -hah -hai was completed and will be ready to send to the office for approval, he said.
In general, the railway line is 609 kilometers (378 miles) and estimated 434 billion baht ($ 12.9 billion). The Thai network will be connected to the Laosa-Kitai line over the bridge, built over the Mekong River.
Thailand seeks to improve its connection with China, the biggest trading partner, since the second largest Southeast Asia economy fights to match the growth of its regional peers. In addition to trade, both countries will also tell closer tourist ties, as both countries refused tourist visas last year for their citizens.
After operation, the Thailand-Laos railway network will move from Bangkok to the Chinese capital through stops in Vienzian and the South China city of Kunming, where there is a separate half-hour high-speed service in Beijing.
Thailand started the construction of a high -speed railway network in 2017 as part of the Chinese government’s belt and road initiative, according to the project website. The Thai government is responsible for all investments in the project, construction of civilian work and the use of Chinese construction technology and rail systems.
It is expected that the first stage of the project, which is estimated, 179 billion BAT will start working in 2027.
The segments of Laos and Thailand are considered as the beginning of infrastructure, which directly connect China with most of the Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore. In 2021, Laos opened a railway line that cost the country, nearly $ 6 billion to contact China.
