China keen to cooperate in high speed rail projects

BANGKOK, 13 May 2012 (NNT) – China has expressed enthusiasm to cooperate with Thailand in the construction of the Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Nong Khai high speed rail projects. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport expects construction process to commence in 2013.

Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan said that Mr. Wang Shengwen, the Director-General of the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation under the Commerce Ministry of China is visiting Thailand and has expressed enthusiasm in Thailand’s projects to construct 2 high speed rail routes, namely Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Nong Khai.

According to Minister Chatchart, China has conducted initial studies on the projects and suggested that the Bangkok-Chiang Mai railway should concentrate on passenger transport using trains running at a speed of 250-300km per hour. China has also suggested that 87% of the route should be constructed on elevated grounds to avoid the problem of inundation.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok-Nong Khai route should aim for both passenger and cargo services, with trains running at a speed of no less than 160 km/hour. This route is highly attractive to China as it will create rail links among Thailand, Laos, and China.