The first continuous beam of the China-Thailand Railway’s first phase was closed in October, marking a significant milestone towards the completion of this ambitious project. Divided into two phases, the railway is set to transform regional connectivity by linking Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima Province in the first phase, and then extending to Nong Khai City on the border with Laos in the second phase. This extension will connect with the China-Laos Railway, creating a vital artery linking Thailand, Laos, and China.
Approved by the State Railway of Thailand in April, the second phase comes with a total investment of 341.35 billion baht (approximately $10 billion). Spanning 845 kilometers, this railway is Thailand’s first standard-gauge high-speed railway and is part of China’s broader vision for a network of links across Southeast Asia. The collaboration began with a memorandum of understanding on railway cooperation signed by the Chinese and Thai governments in 2014.
Despite facing delays due to concerns over the proximity of a station site to a UNESCO World Heritage site, both Thailand and China have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the construction of the railway. Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote announced in early September that the project will proceed according to the original plan without further delays.
The completion of the China-Thailand Railway promises to enhance economic growth, facilitate trade, and foster cultural exchange among the three nations. As the region moves towards greater integration, the railway stands as a testament to international cooperation and shared aspirations for prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
