## Infrastructure for Sustainability: Turning Point for Thailand's Megaprojects
**By Wannika Jittinarakorn, December 28, 2024, 6:32 AM**
The Ministry of Transport has announced its goal to develop a sustainable transportation system, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 45.61 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is highlighting 4 measures to create a turning point for megaprojects in Thailand through the promotion of electric vehicles, urban transport system development, expansion of intercity logistics, and improvement of vehicle efficiency.
The Ministry of Transport has declared its goal to develop a sustainable transportation system to drive Thailand's goal of addressing greenhouse gas emissions as announced at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021.
Under Thailand's Nationally Determined Contribution Roadmap on Mitigation 2021-2030 (NDC Roadmap), the target has been raised from the original 20-25% to 30-40% by 2030, which translates to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 167-222 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The transport sector has been tasked with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 45.61 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The OTP is responsible for developing an action plan to achieve this target, in line with the NDC Roadmap and the long-term goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065.
OTP Director Panya Choopanisit revealed the action plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, stating that the Ministry of Transport is prioritizing addressing the environmental impact of climate change, particularly in the expanding transport sector.
The OTP has studied the national action plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for 2021-2030, setting a target to reduce emissions in the transport sector by 45.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is divided into:
1. **Promoting the use of electric vehicles:** Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28.29 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The plan includes promoting the transition to electric buses in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with all public buses transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
2. **Developing urban transport systems:** Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.78 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The initial plan involves developing public transport systems in major cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen, focusing on electric train projects due to their high passenger capacity, carbon reduction potential, and contribution to lower travel costs.
3. **Developing intercity transport and logistics systems:** Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.6 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The Ministry will focus on developing double-track railways and promoting high-speed rail projects, including the high-speed rail linking three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao) and the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai high-speed rail project to connect Thailand with Laos and China.
4. **Increasing vehicle efficiency:** Expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13.94 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This involves implementing a carbon dioxide tax and enforcing Euro 5 emission standards for new vehicles in the country.
In addition, supporting measures are defined as:
1. **Promoting alternative energy for the transport sector in the future:** Focusing on the use of hydrogen fuel and sustainable aviation fuels.
2. **Developing infrastructure and support for the transport sector:** Shifting freight transport from road to rail and waterways to increase efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
The time to accelerate efforts to achieve these goals is decreasing every second, minute, and day of each year. More importantly, we risk losing the opportunity to develop sustainably together. The transport sector will be a key player in achieving these goals.
Checklist! The Ministry of Transport is preparing to propose an infrastructure investment project to the Cabinet in 2025.
Source - IQ Infoquest News Agency
Thursday, January 09, 2025 17:51
Infoquest News Agency (09 Jan 68)
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that in 2025, the Ministry of Transport will push for the draft of the Joint Ticket System Management Act to be effective by June 2025 in accordance with the policy to reduce the electric train fare to 20 baht for all lines, which will allow the establishment of a Joint Ticket Fund. As for the compensation for the difference in income for the private sector from reducing the fare to no more than 20 baht for all lines, it will cost approximately 8 billion baht per year, which is assessed as sufficient. In the following year, some budget may be allocated to help pay compensation.
In addition, the draft of the Rail Transport Act will be pushed for, which is an important goal to encourage the private sector to participate in using the railway in order to maximize the benefits and make the investment in construction worthwhile.
*Land Bridge
As for the progress of the transportation infrastructure development project to develop the Southern Economic Corridor And connecting transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea (Chumphon-Ranong) or the Land Bridge project is considered a flagship project of the government since Mr. Sathit Thaveesin was the Prime Minister. In the past, he has traveled to various countries for roadshows and has received a lot of attention from investors, both in the Middle East, Europe and China.
As for the project's implementation, there must be a draft of the Southern Economic Corridor Act B.E. ... or the SEC Act. Currently, we have coordinated with the Special Economic Zone Development Policy Committee (SEZPC) chaired by Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to hold a meeting to consider granting the authority to the ONCB to draft the SEC Act and will push for it to happen within this government.
*Prepare to propose to the Cabinet in 2025
- Rail transportation:
1. The suburban railway system project (Red Line) from Taling Chan - Taling Chan - Salaya, total distance 20.5 km, project budget 15,176 million baht, is a request to review the Cabinet resolution and request approval of the construction budget framework. Currently, it is under consideration by relevant agencies such as the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). The plan is to open for service in October 2028.
2. The dual-track railway project phase 2, 6 routes, total distance 1,310 km, total investment budget 297,926 million baht, which has passed the process of asking for opinions from agencies and the Budget Bureau has given its approval. The Ministry of Finance will provide feedback within the next week. The NESDB is waiting for the process of presenting to the NESDB board for consideration. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has explained the reasons for the necessity of investing in the dual-track railway phase 2 to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), including after the dual-track construction. There will be guidelines for private sector participation in using the road to increase investment value, which will be driven under the Rail Transport Act.
For the dual-track railway project, Phase 2, 6 routes, consisting of:
1) Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai route, 280.54 km long, investment budget 81,143 million baht
2) Chum Thong Jira-Ubon Ratchathani route, 307.60 km long, investment budget 44,095 million baht
3) Chum Thong Hat Yai-Padang Besar route, 44.50 km long, investment budget 7,772 million baht
4) Chumphon-Surat Thani route, 168.20 km long, investment budget 30,422 million baht
5) Surat Thani-Chum Thong Hat Yai-Songkhla route, 321 km long, investment budget 66,270 million baht
6) Den Chai-Chiang Mai route, 189 km long, investment budget 68,222 million baht
3. Project to procure 946 container trucks (TBT) with spare parts, budget 2,460 million baht
4. The cooperation project between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the People's Republic of China to develop a high-speed rail system to connect the region, Bangkok-Nong Khai section (Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section), a distance of 357.12 km, worth 341,351 million baht, which is currently in the process of being proposed to the Ministry of Finance and the National Economic and Social Development Board for approval.
In addition, the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 2, is a strategic route. In the past, there has been investment in the first phase from Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima. If Phase 2 is not done, the extension to Nong Khai and on to the Lao PDR and China may not be as targeted, which will result in the route not being fully utilized. Most recently, on January 7, 2025, the National Economic and Social Development Board discussed with the National Economic and Social Development Board that the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to China. The National Economic and Social Development Board is requested to expedite the project conclusion. To ensure the governments confidence in discussing with China
- Motorway and expressway projects include:
1. Motorway M9, Outer Ring Road, Bangkok, West, Bang Bua Thong-Bang Pa-in, 35 km long, 15,862 million baht
2. Motorway M9 project connecting the Western and Eastern Ring Roads, 4,101 million baht
3. New highway connecting Motorway M6-Highway 32, 5,495 million baht
4. Phuket Expressway Project, Phase 1, Kathu-Patong, by the Phuket Expressway Authority or the Patong Tunnel Project, 3.98 km long, approximately 16,757 million baht
5. Chalong Rat Expressway Project-Outer Ring Road, East, or the original N2 Expressway, 11.3 km long, 16,960 million baht
- Project to lease 1,520 clean energy air-conditioned buses (EVs) by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) Budget: 15,355 million baht
## Ministry of Transport Discusses with Japan to Enhance Cooperation in Rail Development
**The Ministry of Transport has discussed with Japan ways to enhance cooperation in rail development. Thailand emphasizes infrastructure development aimed at becoming ASEAN's transportation hub and reaffirms its support for the continued development of JTTRI Thailand.**
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, assigned Mr. Chakri Bamrungwong, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport, to welcome Mr. SHUKURI Masafumi, President of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) and Chairman of the International High-Speed Rail Association (IHRA). The meeting aimed to discuss the direction and strategies for transportation and infrastructure development in 2025, to guide cooperation between the Ministry of Transport, JTTRI, and IHRA, and to receive a report on the Thai-Japan Railway Workshop held at the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Chakri stated that the Ministry of Transport welcomed Mr. Shukuri Masafumi and the JTTRI delegation to Thailand to discuss cooperation in promoting rail technology. He emphasized that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, prioritizes rail transport as the primary mode of transportation in the country to reduce logistics costs and promote environmental friendliness. He also expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between JTTRI and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) in organizing the Thai-Japan Railway Workshop 2024 on January 17, 2024, which facilitated an exchange of views on accident prevention and safety improvements, further strengthening rail cooperation between Japan and Thailand.
Currently, the Ministry of Transport is transitioning transportation from road to rail and waterways, leading to a significant expansion of railway lines both within cities and connecting different regions. Examples include:
* The Red Line Suburban Railway Extension Project, comprising:
1) Bang Sue - Phaya Thai - Makkasan - Hua Mak and Bang Sue - Hua Lamphong sections.
2) Rangsit - Thammasat University Rangsit Center section.
3) Taling Chan - Siriraj and Taling Chan - Salaya sections.
* The double-track railway construction project, covering a total distance of over 1,500 kilometers, divided into:
* Phase 1: 7 routes with a total distance of 993 kilometers, currently progressing at over 95%.
* Phase 2: 7 routes, with 1 route (Khon Kaen - Nong Khai) under construction preparation and 6 routes awaiting Cabinet approval.
* The high-speed rail project from Bangkok to Nong Khai, divided into two phases:
* Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section.
* Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section.
"Under the government and Ministry of Transport's policies, which emphasize infrastructure development in transportation to elevate Thailand as ASEAN's transportation hub, the continuous academic support from JTTRI is invaluable, given Japan's world-leading rail technology. The Ministry of Transport is ready to support JTTRI Thailand's operations for the continuous development of Thailand's rail system."
## Transport Ministry discusses rail transport development strategy with JTTRI-IHRA
**Source - Naewna website**
**Monday, January 20, 2025 06:26**
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, assigned Mr. Chakri Bamrungwong, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport, to welcome Mr. SHUKURI Masafumi, President of the Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI) and President of the International High-Speed Rail Association (IHRA). The meeting discussed the direction and strategy for transport and infrastructure development in 2025, aiming to establish cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and JTTRI-IHRA. They also reviewed the Thai-Japan Railway Workshop.
Mr. Chakri Bamrungwong stated that the Ministry of Transport discussed cooperation with JTTRI to promote rail technology. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, emphasized the importance of rail transport as the primary mode of transportation in Thailand. This aims to reduce logistics costs and promote environmentally friendly transportation. JTTRI and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) co-organized the Thai-Japan Railway Workshop 2024 on January 17, 2024. The workshop facilitated the exchange of knowledge on accident prevention and safety improvements, further strengthening rail cooperation between Japan and Thailand.
Currently, the Ministry of Transport is transitioning from road to rail and waterway transport, resulting in significant railway expansion in urban areas and across regions. Examples include:
* **Red Line Suburban Railway Extension Project:**
1. Bang Sue - Phaya Thai - Makkasan - Hua Mak and Bang Sue - Hua Lamphong sections
2. Rangsit - Thammasat University Rangsit Center section
3. Taling Chan - Siriraj and Taling Chan - Salaya sections
* **Double-track railway construction project:** Total distance of over 1,500 kilometers, divided into 2 phases:
* Phase 1: 7 routes, total distance of 993 kilometers (over 95% progress)
* Phase 2: 7 routes, 1 route under construction (Khon Kaen - Nong Khai), 6 routes pending Cabinet approval
* **High-speed rail project:** Bangkok - Nong Khai route, divided into 2 sections:
* Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section
* Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section
Under the government and Ministry of Transport's policy, infrastructure development is prioritized to establish Thailand as a transportation hub in ASEAN. Continued academic support from JTTRI is highly beneficial due to Japan's advanced rail technology. The Ministry of Transport is committed to supporting JTTRI's operations in Thailand for continuous development of the Thai railway system.
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