Suraphong Inspects Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon Double Track and Promotes Rail Tourism on SRT Royal Blossom Train
Date: June 14, 2024 | 4:17 PM
Deputy Minister of Transport, Suraphong Piyachote, traveled on the SRT Royal Blossom special tourist train from Bangkok to Hua Hin on June 14, 2024. The purpose of his trip was to inspect the progress of the Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon double-track railway project, particularly Phase 2 between Nakhon Pathom and Ku Bua Station, and the construction of Contract 1 between Nakhon Pathom and Nong Pla Lai. He also visited Hua Hin Railway Station.
Suraphong highlighted the importance of implementing modern technology and innovation in the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to improve the rail transport system's efficiency and competitiveness. He emphasized the need to return SRT to a strong organization capable of driving the country's rail transportation efficiently.
The Deputy Minister urged SRT to enhance public services by promoting rail tourism and supporting local communities along tourist routes. He also stressed the importance of completing double-track railway and new train line projects nationwide to improve the efficiency and safety of the rail transport system.
On December 15, 2023, SRT opened the southern double-track train service between Ban Khu Bua Station in Ratchaburi Province and Saphli Station in Chumphon Province, covering a distance of 347.4 kilometers.
Recently, on June 4, 2024, SRT opened an additional 72.6 kilometers of the southern double-track line, enabling the full opening of the Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon route spanning 420 kilometers. This development is expected to reduce travel time, increase transportation efficiency, connect transportation and tourist routes, and boost the economic potential of the region and the country.
Srettha Talks TV Show to Air Starting June 22; Ink Enthusiastic about Soft Power
Source - Thai Post
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 05:10
Government House * The debut of "Talk with Srettha," originally set for June 15, has been postponed to June 22. The postponement is due to adjustments and the Minister of the Office of the Prime Minister contracting COVID-19. Meanwhile, Srettha Thavisin visits Hua Hin Railway Station, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks passionately about soft power, envisioning 20 million prosperous families by 2027 with Isaan cuisine, music, and Thai books gaining international recognition.
On June 14, 2024, government sources revealed plans to revive the Prime Minister's program for the public. The show, "Talk with Srettha," will air on the National Television of Thailand. Initially scheduled for its first broadcast on June 15 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, it has been rescheduled to June 22 from 8:00 to 8:30 AM. The show will now air monthly, on the third Saturday of each month. The first episode will feature former government spokesperson Theerarat Ratanasevi as the host, with future episodes rotating hosts including news anchor Muay Arisara Kamthorncharoen and famous presenter Aun Phuwanart Kunpalin.
Srettha mentioned that the recording of the first episode is complete but the exact airing date is yet to be confirmed. He urged the public to wait for updates from Minister Jiraporn Sinthuprai, who is overseeing the program. Unfortunately, Minister Jiraporn has contracted COVID-19, delaying the final preparations.
Later that day, at 3:10 PM, Srettha visited Hua Hin Railway Station to elevate it as a tourist attraction that enhances Hua Hin's identity. He reviewed plans to support tourism through the STR Royal Blossom train service, aligned with the government's IGNITE TOURISM THAILAND policy. He was accompanied by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, State Railway of Thailand Governor Nirut Maneephan, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Somkid Chanthamaruk, and welcomed by tourists.
During his visit, Srettha interacted with the public and tourists, including a Taiwanese tourist who took a photo with him. He praised the train's renovations for their beauty and Thai identity, anticipating they would impress visitors.
On the same day, the ISAN Insight Summit 2024 was held at Central Plaza Khon Kaen, organized by Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Economics. The summit's theme was ISAN Soft Power, aiming to propel Isaan culture to international recognition. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Party and Vice Chair of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, delivered a keynote on "ISAN Soft Power: Opportunities and Challenges in Revitalizing Isaan's Economy for Sustainable Prosperity." She was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri, and several other officials and academics.
Paetongtarn expressed her confidence in Isaan's unique appealits cuisine, culture, and performances. She highlighted the potential of Isaan food to become globally recognized, with countless restaurants worldwide and widespread Muay Thai gyms. She envisioned Thai performances, including T-pop, reaching global stages. The government aims for 20 million Thai families to see increased incomes by 2027, driven by the soft power policy.
She shared her excitement about speaking in Khon Kaen, explaining that soft power encompasses more than productsits about influence and charm that attract people and investment, both domestic and international. Paetongtarn noted Isaan's rich cultural heritage and its potential to elevate Thailand's global appeal.
Additionally, she emphasized Isaan's diverse music and cultural representation, asserting that Pheu Thai Party understands Isaan's agricultural sector well. Paetongtarn concluded with the goal of expanding Thai cuisine, Muay Thai gyms, and translated Thai literature globally. The government is planning a soft power event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center at the end of June to inspire and educate on developing Thai soft power.
*Caption: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin cheerfully walks during his visit to Hua Hin Railway Station (old station) in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, aiming to enhance it as a tourism site showcasing Hua Hin's identity on June 14, 2024.*
The Transport Minister has agreed to a proposal from Korat residents to build an elevated double-track railway through the city. This decision will also accelerate the construction of a motorway connecting Nong Khai and Laem Chabang.
On June 15, 2024, the Minister of Transport, along with the Deputy Minister of Transport and other officials, visited Nakhon Ratchasima to address traffic issues and discuss plans for high-speed and double-track railways.
During the visit, the Minister addressed concerns about the demolition of the Simathani Bridge. He confirmed that while two options (an underpass or an elevated bridge) had been considered, no final decision had been made. He emphasized that the priority was to build an elevated railway that would be acceptable to the residents of Korat.
The Minister instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to proceed with the design and budgeting of the elevated railway, ensuring no delays in the process. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to meeting the demands of the people and responding to their needs in all areas.
The Minister also discussed the M6 Motorway Project, Bang Pa-in - Nakhon Ratchasima, acknowledging past delays due to contractual and environmental issues. He confirmed that these issues had been resolved and that the project was moving forward. Additionally, he supported the proposal to extend the motorway to Khon Kaen and Nong Khai provinces and connect it to Laem Chabang Port, enhancing the region's competitiveness and facilitating trade with neighboring countries.
Regarding the demand for a commercial airport in Korat, the Minister stated that while it was not currently a priority, the possibility would be explored if there was sufficient demand and potential for its use.
Korat residents are pleased with the decision of Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Thailand's Minister of Transport, to revise the design of the new double-track railway project. The revised design will elevate the railway over the Simathani Bridge, as requested by the people.
This decision comes after concerns were raised about the original plan, which would have seen the railway built under the bridge. Residents feared this would negatively impact movement and development in the city.
Two alternative designs were initially considered:
1. An elevated railway that dips under the Simathani Bridge for a short distance before rising again.
2. An elevated railway that crosses over the Simathani Bridge, potentially impacting the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project.
However, after meeting with local representatives and hearing their concerns, the Minister of Transport has confirmed that the railway will be elevated over the Simathani Bridge. He has assured residents that the Ministry of Transport will allocate the necessary budget to complete the project in a way that meets the needs of the people.
Double-track Railway from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon to Reduce Durian and Rubber Transport Time and Promote Domestic Tourism
Source: IQ News Agency
Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024, 11:04 AM
InfoQuest News Agency (June 16, 2024)
Mr. Surapong Piyachote, Deputy Minister of Transport, inspected the double-track railway project and stated that the double-track railway construction between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon includes two container yard (CY) stations at Sam Roi Yot and Na Phak Khuang. At Saphli Station in Chumphon, there is already a facility for container cargo handling, used by two private operators for rubber transportation. A reach stacker is available for container lifting. From June to August annually, the area sees a significant durian harvest, sufficient for export to the People's Republic of China. Last year, about 150 containers of durians were transported by rail to Kunming and Guangzhou between April and July. This year, approximately 300 containers have been transported from the eastern region to China. Additionally, starting June 14, 2024, 15 refrigerated containers (reefer containers) of durians have been transported bi-daily from Saphli to Map Ta Phut, to be combined with eastern durians for export to China.
This year, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) inaugurated the 420-kilometer double-track railway from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon on June 4, 2024. Previously, in 2019, the 187-kilometer Chira Road Junction to Khon Kaen double-track section was opened. These developments have expedited rail cargo transportation. Saphli Station, near Lang Suan District with many durian warehouses, has a 9,000 square meter container yard, poised to become a southern rail freight distribution center.
Global Multimodal Logistics Co., Ltd. (GML) plans to transport durians in reefer containers via the Saphli-Nong Khai rail route through Laos, targeting Kunming and four other Chinese provinces. The Ministry of Transport, Department of Rail Transport, SRT, and GML have discussed upgrading Saphli Stations container yard with lighting systems and reefer container power plugs, installing CCTV, and adding more reach stackers to handle increased durian transport. They aim to reduce the Saphli-Nong Khai transport time from four days to two, enhancing rail freight efficiency, reducing road accidents, and lowering logistics costs.
Mr. Surapong added that current south-to-north, northeast, and eastern freight routes via Rama VI Bridge have limitations, including single-track bridge crossings and congestion in Bangkok, restricting operations to 10 PM - 4 AM. SRT has been tasked to study a new route linking Nong Pladuk Junction and Ban Phachi Junction, supported by the fiscal year 2024 budget, with consultant hiring in progress. The 2025 budget will cover detailed design, aiming to improve freight efficiency.
Mr. Surapong and his team also took the SRT Royal Blossom special tourist train to Thung Mamao Station, near the coastal railway, to promote Prachuap Khiri Khan tourism. The IGNITE TOURISM THAILAND policy aligns with this initiative. The revised southern rail schedule on December 15, 2023, has reduced travel time by 1.5 hours, enhancing passenger convenience and freight management efficiency, reducing logistical costs, and increasing safety by eliminating level crossings and introducing U-turns and overpasses.
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