## High-Speed Rail Linking 3 Airports Aims for Cabinet Approval of Contract Amendment in April
**Source:** Thai Post Website
**Thursday, January 09, 2025 10:43**
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) board is pushing for a contract amendment for the high-speed train linking 3 airports to be presented to the Cabinet in April. This comes before ordering the private sector partner to proceed with the project.
On January 8, 2025, Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, chaired the first meeting of the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee (EECPC) for the year 2025. The meeting took place at Government House. Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the EEC, served as the meeting secretary. The EECPC considered and resolved on the following important matters:
1. **Expansion of Special Economic Zones:**
1.1 **Expansion of the Eastern Aviation City (EECa):** Approximately 714 rai of land under the Royal Thai Navy's jurisdiction will be added to the EECa. This expansion aims to accommodate the construction of a second runway, redesigned to avoid aviation obstacles in the northern area (Khao Krok Ta Baek). It will also support flight operations and air traffic in accordance with aviation industry safety standards.
1.2 **Changes to the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi):** The purpose and land-use plan of the EECi will be modified. The scope of land use for research and innovation will be expanded from "Prototype development" to include "Product on shelf." This means products that have gone through prototype development, testing, and commercial production, reaching a quality level ready for consumer delivery. This applies to target industries such as modern, low-emission automotive, smart electronics, and bio-agriculture. Approximately 975 rai out of the total 3,454 rai will be reallocated for this new purpose. This is expected to stimulate the local economy, drive business development, promote technology transfer and knowledge exchange between communities and businesses, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for local people.
1.3 **Establishment of the Chachoengsao Blue Tech City Industrial Estate Special Economic Zone:** Approximately 1,172 rai in Khao Din Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province, will be designated as a special economic zone. This aims to support the expansion and development of special target industries, including modern automotive, smart electronics, aviation and logistics, digital technology, and human resource development. Investments in the area are projected to reach approximately 156 billion baht. The project also encourages domestic businesses by requiring the use of locally-sourced parts and equipment for electric vehicles produced within the project area, up to 90%. It is expected to create around 20,000 jobs and stimulate business opportunities for local communities, such as shops, hotels, and dormitories. This will boost the economy from the community level to the national level.
2. **Progress on High-Speed Rail Project:** The EECPC acknowledged the progress made in amending the contract for the high-speed rail project linking three airports. Further discussions between the EEC Office and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) confirmed that the contract amendment adheres to the original principles of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for this project. The SRT and relevant agencies were instructed to proceed according to the regulations of the Eastern Special Economic Corridor Policy Committee. This includes adhering to the procedures and guidelines for submitting the matter to the Cabinet, in consultation with the Council of State and the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat.
**Next Steps:**
* The SRT and the private partner will negotiate the draft amendment contract.
* The contract will be submitted to the Contract Management Committee and the Supervisory Committee.
* The amended draft will then be submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for review.
* The SRT will submit the reviewed draft to the EECPC for approval.
* The EECPC will then propose the amendment to the Cabinet for final approval.
* Upon Cabinet approval, the SRT and the private partner will sign the amended contract.
* The SRT will issue a notice for the private partner to commence construction, expected by April 2025.
An artists rendering shows a station for the planned high-speed rail line linking three airports including U-tapao in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Work on the long-delayed three-airport rail link could begin in April if amendments to the contract with the consortium developing it are approved, according to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee.
A recent meeting of the committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, reviewed plans to amend the contract for the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao airports.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is currently drafting the amended contract, which would then be submitted to the EEC Policy Committee and the cabinet for approval.
Construction will take five years to complete, with an expected opening in 2029, five years behind schedule.
The original contract was signed in 2019 between the SRT and Asia Era One, a consortium led by the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group. A concession agreement to operate the Airport Rail Link (ARL) in Bangkok was part of the joint investment plan.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, however, declining passenger numbers on the ARL prompted Asia Era One to request compensation. The cabinet approved the revision of the contract in 2021.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has rejected opposition criticism that the contract revisions favour the private sector partners.
The SRT said last month that it was ready to take over the entire project if the contractor is unable to finish the job.
The EEC Policy Committee, meanwhile, has approved the expansion of the Eastern Aviation City project which also includes U-tapao Airport. An additional 714 rai of land under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Navy will be provided for the project.
The extension is aimed at accommodating a second runway to address aviation safety requirements and avoid natural obstacles north of the project area, including mountains, said Mr Pichai.
In addition, the land-use plan for the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) will be revised to support activities beyond prototype development to include commercial production. Approximately 975 rai out of the 3,454 rai allotted to project will be taken up by the hub, he said.
The main targets will be the modern automotive, smart electronics and bio-agriculture industries. The changes aim to stimulate the local economy, foster technology transfer and enhance residents quality of life.
Another proposal approved in the meeting was Blue Tech City, a 1,172-rai special economic zone in Chachoengsao. This industrial zone will support advanced industries such as electric vehicles, smart electronics, aviation and digital technologies.
The project is expected to attract investment worth 156 billion baht and generate 20,000 jobs. Local entrepreneurs would receive support in sourcing 90% of all electronic components and auto parts that will be used for EV production in the zone from domestic businesses.
## Ayutthaya Moves Forward with High-Speed Rail Station, Confident It Won't Impact World Heritage Site
Source - Prachachat Business Website
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 11:45
The Fine Arts Department is moving forward with support for the construction of the Ayutthaya high-speed rail station. Experts from UNESCO have been invited to advise on the project to ensure it does not impact the World Heritage site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.
Recently, at the Ayutthaya Gold Treasures Exhibition Building, Chao Sam Phraya Museum, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Mr. Niwat Rungsakorn, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, assigned Mr. Prapun Treebubpha, Deputy Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, to welcome Mr. Sihasak Phuangkaeo, along with Mr. Michael Pearson and Mr. Gamini Wijesuriya, a team of experts from the advisory body of the World Heritage Committee. The team visited Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province to follow up on the high-speed train project at Ayutthaya Station. Mr. Panombut Chantarachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, representatives of the construction company, the State Railway of Thailand, the Department of Rail Transport, and the working group also participated in the discussion.
The expert team then visited Ayutthaya Railway Station to gather information from the actual site before submitting it to the World Heritage Committee.
Mr. Panombut Chantarachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, revealed that the department supports the construction of the high-speed train station in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. They have already submitted the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) to the World Heritage Committee. The Fine Arts Department wants the high-speed train station to be built without impacting the World Heritage site and therefore invited the expert team for advice.
The team initially made two recommendations:
1. **Reduce the height of the station:** Adjust the roof to be as low as possible while ensuring safety for the surrounding area.
2. **Avoid construction over the original station:** The old station should be preserved. The Fine Arts Department has coordinated with the construction company to adjust the design according to the committee's recommendations.
The Fine Arts Department has submitted additional information to the committee regarding the procedures to be followed during the construction of the high-speed train station. Archaeological experts will be on-site during construction to ensure compliance with academic and international standards.
After construction is complete, the area will be declared an additional ancient monument control zone. The Fine Arts Department affirms its commitment to protecting this World Heritage site while allowing for urban development. They hope that the project will improve the quality of life for the people and enable them to coexist with the World Heritage site without damaging any historical sites, whether they are officially recognized as World Heritage or not. The department hopes that the railway can be built while Ayutthaya remains a World Heritage site.
The Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project is the first of its kind to be implemented, enabling connections to Laos and China. This will result in faster and more convenient transportation, linking regions and spreading prosperity to other parts of the country.
This project is a collaboration between the governments of Thailand and China to develop a high-speed rail system connecting the Bangkok-Nong Khai regions. Phase 1 covers the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section. Thailand is fully funding the project and carrying out the civil works using Chinese construction technology and train systems. The construction ceremony took place on December 21, 2017, with a budget of 179,412.21 million baht. The service is expected to open within 2027, with an economic return of 11.68%.
The total distance is 250.77 kilometers with 6 stations:
1. Bang Sue Grand Station
2. Don Mueang Station
3. Ayutthaya Station
4. Saraburi Station
5. Pak Chong Station
6. Nakhon Ratchasima Station
There will also be one control center at Chiang Rak Noi and three maintenance centers at Chiang Rak Noi, Saraburi, and Khok Sa-at.
The service will use Fuxing Hao CR300 trains, with 8 trains in total (6 in service and 2 in reserve). Each train has 8 cars with 64 seats per car and a total of 594 seats per train, including 96 First Class seats and 498 Second Class seats. The service will operate from 06:00-22:00, departing every 90 minutes. The maximum speed is 250 km/h.
UNESCO Experts Concerned High-Speed Rail Station Development Could Impact Ayutthaya World Heritage Site
Source - Public Relations Department
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 12:51
On January 22nd, at the Ayutthaya Gold Treasures Exhibition Building, Chao Sam Phraya Museum, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Governor Niwat Rungsakorn assigned Deputy Governor Prapan Treebubpha to attend a meeting summarizing the results of a field survey of the high-speed train project at Ayutthaya Station. The meeting also addressed concerns raised by experts from the advisory body of the World Heritage Committee.
Attendees included experts from the advisory body of the World Heritage Committee, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Mrs. Somtrong Phancharoenworakul, President of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization, the Fine Arts Department, construction companies, representatives from the State Railway of Thailand, the Department of Rail Transport, as well as the private sector in the province and the working group.
The meeting summarized the field survey results and outlined guidelines for improving the project based on the advice and concerns of the experts. Two main issues were raised:
1. The height of the station: The working group will revise the station design to minimize its height.
2. Management of the surrounding area: The working group will develop a plan for improving the surrounding area and submit it to the World Heritage Center for consideration.
Mr. Sihasak Phuangkaew, head of the special task force, revealed that the team will comply with the recommendations of the experts. The meeting invited the private sector to suggest approaches and emphasize the necessity of the high-speed train station in Ayutthaya. The station is expected to boost tourism, enhance international connectivity, support economic growth, and facilitate exports, all while minimizing impact on the World Heritage site.
The State Railway of Thailand stated that the Ayutthaya high-speed train station is designed to accommodate both residents and tourists, featuring parking spaces, green areas, various amenities, and a landscaped surrounding area. They confirmed their commitment to studying and implementing design adjustments to mitigate impact on historical sites, following research findings, detailed designs, and resolutions from relevant committees. The development of the Ayutthaya station is along existing rail lines and does not involve any land expropriation.
The Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project is the first of its kind in Thailand, aiming to connect to Laos and China for faster and more convenient transportation, regional connectivity, and nationwide development. This collaborative project between the Thai and Chinese governments is fully funded by Thailand, with construction utilizing Chinese technology and train systems. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on December 21, 2017, with a budget of 179,412.21 million baht. The project is expected to be operational by 2027, with an economic return of 11.68%.
The 250.77 kilometer route includes 6 stations:
1. Bangkok Apiwat Central Station
2. Don Mueang Station
3. Ayutthaya Station
4. Saraburi Station
5. Pak Chong Station
6. Nakhon Ratchasima Station
It also includes a control center in Chiang Rak Noi and three maintenance centers in Chiang Rak Noi, Saraburi, and Khok Sa-at.
Government Confirms High-Speed Rail from Thailand to China by 2030
Source: Naewna Website
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 10:00 AM
Thailand is set to have its own high-speed rail, with the Ministry of Transport reporting progress to the Cabinet. The government has confirmed that by 2030, a high-speed train will run smoothly from Bangkok to Nong Khai, connecting through Laos to China.
On January 29, 2025, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub revealed that the Ministry of Transport presented updates on the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail cooperation project to the Cabinet. This project aims to enhance connectivity between ASEAN and China, particularly within Thailand on the Bangkok-Nong Khai route. The 31st meeting of the Thailand-China Railway Cooperation Committee reported significant progress, summarized as follows:
(1) Progress on the Bangkok-Nong Khai High-Speed Rail Development
- Phase 1 (Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima): Construction work on civil engineering contracts has reached 35.75% completion. Two contractsMid-Dong to Pang Asok and Si Khiu to Kut Chikhave been completed, while ten contracts are under construction and two are in the procurement process. Additionally, a Rail Technology Research and Development Institute (Public Organization) has been established.
- Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai): Expected to be operational by 2030, with the design phase completed and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) currently under review by the National Environment Board. The State Railway of Thailand Board has approved the project, and it will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
(2) Connectivity between Nong Khai and Vientiane
The following five initiatives aim to enhance rail connectivity:
1. Khon Kaen-Nong Khai Double-Track Railway: Currently in the bidding process, expected to open in 2027.
2. Friendship Bridge Upgrade: Structural studies are underway to support axle loads of 20 tons. The Budget Bureau has approved emergency funds for additional construction.
3. New Mekong River Bridge (Thailand-Laos): Both countries have agreed to co-finance the project within their respective territories. The project is currently in the detailed design and EIA preparation stage.
4. Freight Terminal Development: Authorities are assessing land use to designate areas for cargo clearance and will soon announce rental pricing under public-private partnership (PPP) regulations.
5. Cross-Border Travel from Thanaleng to Vientiane (Ban Khamsavath): This connection is now completed and operational.
Jirayu emphasized that the Bangkok-Nong Khai-Vientiane-China high-speed rail is a strategic opportunity for northeastern Thailand and the entire country. It will integrate Thailand into the global economy, facilitating trade and investment with regional and international markets, which collectively encompass over 8 billion people.
"The project represents a significant milestone in the government's infrastructure development strategy. It will position Thailand as a regional transportation and logistics hub, aligning with the Prime Ministers policy statement to Parliament," Jirayu stated.
Thailand expects high-speed rail link to China to operate from 2030
FILE PHOTO: A train is ready on the station during the handover ceremony of the high-speed rail project linking the Chinese southwestern city of Kunming with Vientiane, in Vientiane, Laos, December 3, 2021. REUTERS/Phoonsab Thevongsa/File Photo
The railway is expected to begin operations nearly a decade later than originally planned.PHOTO: REUTERS
UPDATED JAN 29, 2025, 04:22 PM
BANGKOK - Thailand expects its 609km portion of a high-speed railway that will connect it with China through Laos to begin operations in 2030, its government said on Jan 29, nearly a decade later than originally planned.
More than a third of construction has been completed in the segment connecting the capital Bangkok to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 220km away and the whole line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos would be ready by 2030, said Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.
A US$6 billion (S$8 billion), 1000km rail line from the Laotian capital Vientiane to the south-western Chinese city of Kunming began service in 2021, a venture 70 per cent owned by Beijing.
That line will connect with Thailands Nong Khai via Vientiane, about 25km away.
This is an opportunity for Thailand to connect to the global economy, Mr Jirayu said, adding it would bring Thailand closer to its goal of becoming a logistics hub.
The announcement comes a year after China urged Thailand to progress faster on the rail link.
Discussions on the rail line started nearly two decades ago and Thailand and China signed agreements on its construction in 2017 with plans to begin operations in 2021.
But construction met delays over disagreements on financing and design, and disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The plan is part of Chinese President Xi Jinpings ambitious Belt and Road trade and infrastructure initiative, which includes plans for three routes originating in Kunming that pass through Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Vietnam plans to build a 1,541km high-speed rail line linking its two biggest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, at a cost of more than US$67 billion, targeting the start of operations in 2035.
It also plans a US$7.2 billion railway from its border with Chinas Yunnan province to Hanoi, the port city of Haiphong and Ha Long City. REUTERS
Take the Red Line from Don Mueang to Rangsit Station.
Then, take Train 201 from Rangsit to Phra Kaew Station.
However, in this clip, we only reach the end of the contract at section 4-2, as including more would make the video too long.
The journey stops at Nuankhon train stop.
The next clip will continue from Nuankhon to Phra Kaew.
Construction is ongoing. Compared to our visit at the beginning of the month, progress has been made
a long service road has been added up to the point where it will divert to the east side, near Khlong 1 train stop.
This is about 3.5 km before reaching Rangsit.
Now, lets watch the clip!
We will compare the progress with early January when we filmed the cruise.
Over the past three weeks, we have seen continuous progress in many areas:
- From the TPI Cement Distribution Center to Chiang Rak Noi Station, three piers have been cast within a single foundation.
- Several sets have already been cast. The first set, completed before crossing the final canal, is nearly finished.
- The next set, positioned towards Nuankorn, is following closely behind.
- At the demolished house site, many pilings have been installed, and excavation for the foundation is underway.
- Work is progressing while waiting for the cement to set.
Regarding the **balanced cantilever segment** on Road 308:
- The inner steel frame has been continuously assembled, with a significant amount already in place. Progress is considered fast for this section.
For the launcher set on the Bang Pa-in side:
- It has been positioned and can accommodate two more column sections, with the third section soon to follow.
- By January, there will be exactly four sets in place.
Other latch sets are being installed continuously.
Additional works in progress:
- Detailing work is ongoing.
- Barrier casting continues as well.
Contract 4-3 Progress Summary
For contract 4-4, work is also progressing steadily:
- Some areas have had cement poured to create a wider working surface.
- In other areas, trucks are bringing in soil to prepare the foundation.
- Moving towards Chiang Rak Noi Station, **precast piles** are being transported to cover the area, which should be fully prepared soon.
Contract 4-5: Ban Pho - Phra Kaew
We will capture some images first.
Next, well take a quick look at **Ayutthaya Station** for a brief update.
We should have more updates coming soonstay tuned!
Suriya Expedites Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Phase 2
Source: Thai Post
Tuesday, February 04, 2025 03:31
Ratchadamnoen - Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the Ministry of Transport will propose to the Cabinet on February 4, 2025, the approval for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, connecting Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covers a distance of 357.12 kilometers and has a budget of 341.35142 billion baht.
If the Cabinet approves, bidding for contractors is expected to open, with construction commencing around November 2025, and the line becoming operational in 2031.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been tasked with studying a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the entire Bangkok-Nong Khai line under the Public-Private Partnership Act of 2019. This study is expected to take 6-8 months and be completed within this year. The results, including feasibility and PPP models, will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before proceeding with PPP procurement.
The Thai Cabinet has approved the second phase of the high-speed rail project, connecting Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covering 357 kilometers and expected to be completed in 2030. This phase will link with the Laos railway in Vientiane, ultimately connecting to China. The Prime Minister has urged the acceleration of the first phase, connecting Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima (253 km), which is currently behind schedule.
On February 4, 2025, Mr. Jirachai Hoongtrakul, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet approved the second phase, with a budget of 341.35 billion baht and a timeframe of 8 years (fiscal years 2025-2032). The government will bear the costs, with the Bureau of Budget allocating annual funds and the Ministry of Finance securing and guaranteeing loans.
This project follows a memorandum of understanding between Thailand and China to enhance cooperation in railway infrastructure development. The first phase, approved in 2017, has a budget of 179.41 billion baht and was scheduled for completion in 4 years (2017-2020). However, it is currently behind schedule with only 35.74% progress, and is now expected to be operational in 2028.
The second phase will involve two components:
1. Construction of the railway connecting to the first phase: Starting from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, with a budget of 335.66 billion baht, covering 357.12 km, and including 5 stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. Construction is set to begin in fiscal year 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2032.
2. Construction of the Nata cargo transfer center: With a budget of 5.68 billion baht, located in Nong Khai province. This center will facilitate cargo transfers between the 1-meter gauge Thai railway and the 1.45-meter standard gauge Lao-China railway, offering one-stop service.
The estimated economic internal rate of return (EIRR) for both phases combined is 13.23%, demonstrating economic viability. The State Railway of Thailand board and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) committee have approved the second phase.
The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand to expedite the completion of the first phase, which has been significantly delayed. The Ministry was also advised to prepare a report on the feasibility of high-speed rail management models for future Cabinet consideration, explore private investment options, and update study assumptions to reflect current realities.
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