Transport confirms that 'CP' is ready to invest in the high-speed overlapping area between Bang Sue and Don Mueang. On May 2, 2024, at 2:23 p.m.
Transportation prepares to negotiate with China next week to push forward the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail after civil works progressed to 32.31%, ready to accelerate the signing of 2 more contracts, confirming the overlapping period between Bang Sue and Don Mueang. "CP" moves forward with investment, confident to open the first phase of service between Bangkok and Korat by 2028. Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Transport, chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee for the Development of the Thailand-China Railway Cooperation Project No. 1/2024 to prepare for the 31st Meeting of the Joint Committee for Thailand-China Railway Cooperation in Beijing, People's Republic of China, on May 7 - 8, 2024, stating that attending this meeting in Beijing will report on the progress of the project, including confirming the government's readiness to push forward the second phase of the project, the Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section.
For this meeting, we discussed the progress of the Thailand-China high-speed rail project, Phase 1, Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section, covering a distance of 250 kilometers, with construction work completed on 2 contracts out of a total of 14 contracts, with another 10 contracts in process and waiting to be signed. Two more contracts, with an overall progress of 32.31%, are expected to be completed and open for service in 2028.
As for the second phase of the project, Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section, for connecting the project to Lao PDR, the Thai side is currently ready to invest. The detailed design of the project has been completed, and it is currently waiting for submission to the National Environment Board (EEA) to consider and approve the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Preliminary service is expected to open in 2030.
This project is given importance by the government and will move forward to complete the goal to connect Lao PDR and China. As for the development of Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai, the Thai side will be the investor, and China will expedite the transfer of technology through the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute (Public Organization).
Mr. Suriya also said that the problem of delivering contract area 4-1, Bang Sue - Don Mueang section, still has issues with overlapping areas with the high-speed rail project connecting three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, U-Tapao). Currently, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is in negotiations with the CP group, which is a private contractor with three high-speed airports. The private sector still confirms that it will build the overlapping area between Bang Sue and Don Mueang, with negotiations progressing by 90%. A conclusion is expected soon.
As for contracts 4 - 5, Ban Pho - Phra Kaeo section, which currently have not signed contracts for civil works, there are construction problems in the Ayutthaya station area. It is expected that within this week the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) will submit a report on the cultural property impact, or HIA, of the World Heritage Sites of Nakhon Sawan and Nakhon Si Ayutthaya linked to Ayutthaya High-Speed Train Station to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and ask for opinions. If the contract can be signed, it will be executed immediately.
Therefore, it is expected that the process of handing over the remaining areas of these 2 contracts will be completed within 2 - 3 months and is considered the beginning of concrete progress of the high-speed rail project between the two countries, raising the level of cooperation to be even stronger. This strengthens the economy and security in the region, including linking trade and investment between each other, as well as expanding the network linking railway routes to neighboring countries like Lao PDR in order to further increase transportation potential and connectivity in the region.
No more than 2-3 months! Clear the obstacles, full speed ahead on the high-speed train "Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima"
Daily News 2 May 2024 5:23 p.m.
Transportation innovation
The Ministry of Transportation is preparing to discuss the latest developments in phase 1 of the high-speed train project at the Thai-Chinese Joint Committee meeting on May 7-8. Key issues include resolving expropriation delays and handing over construction areas to the contractor. The "Ayutthaya Station - Superimposed Structure is expected to be completed within 2-3 months. Additionally, a joint contract to facilitate the transfer of technology to Thai personnel will be signed.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Transport, revealed that a meeting of the Executive Committee for the development of the Thai-China railway cooperation project has been convened. This meeting aims to prepare for the 31st meeting of the Joint Committee for Railway Cooperation between Thailand and China, scheduled in Beijing, People's Republic of China on May 7-8, 2024. The discussion will center on progress updates for the high-speed rail project (Phase 1), covering the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section (250 kilometers). Construction is currently 32.31% complete. Two contracts are underway, ten are pending, and two contracts are awaiting signatures. The project is expected to be finished and operational by 2027.
Mr. Suriya further stated that various obstacles continue to impact the implementation of the project, primarily related to land expropriation and the handover of cleared areas to the contractor. Only two contracts remain in this state:
Contract 4-1 (Bang Sue-Don Mueang section,15.21 km): Structural overlap exists with the high-speed rail project connecting three airports (Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao). Negotiations are underway with Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (CP Group), the private contractor for the three-airport project. It is highly likely (approximately 90%) that the private sector will build the overlapping structure for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The joint investment contract for the three-airport project should be amended soon.
Contract section 4-5 (Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section, 13.3 km): This week, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) will submit a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report. The report addresses concerns about the potential impact of the Ayutthaya High-Speed Train Station upon the World Heritage Site of the Historical City of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. UNESCO in Paris will receive the report and is expected to respond within 2-3 months .
Mr. Suriya also noted that the SRT and Boonchai Panich (1979) Company Limited (the designated contractor) are finalizing the signing of Contract 4-5 at the original price of 10,325 million baht. The contract is likely to be signed after UNESCO reviews the HIA report and provides feedback. Upon signing, the SRT will immediately issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the private sector, allowing initial construction on the runway. The Ayutthaya station element will be constructed at a later date.
Mr. Suriya will also inform the Joint Committee that Thailand is accelerating the development of Phase 2 of the project (the Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section) to connect with Lao PDR and China. This phase is expected to begin operating in 2030 and includes the development of the Natha Railway Station in Nong Khai Province as an international transshipment center. Additionally, the Joint Committee will discuss the transfer of railway and high-speed train technology. The Ministry of Transport has established the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute (RTA) to facilitate this transfer. An MOU with the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd is currently being drafted.
สถานีอยุธยารออีก2-3เดือน
Source - เดลินิวส์
Friday, May 03, 2024 04:46
Ayutthaya Station, await another 2-3 months.
Source: Daily News
Friday, May 03, 2024 04:46
Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Transport, revealed after the meeting of the Executive Committee for the Development of the Thailand-China Railway Cooperation Project that in order to prepare for the 31st meeting of the Joint Committee for Thailand-China Railway Cooperation in Beijing, People's Republic of China, on May 7-8, 2024, they will initially report the progress of the Thailand-China high-speed rail project, Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, covering a distance of 250 km. The joint committee meeting will receive the latest construction overview, currently at 32.31% completion. Construction has been completed for 2 out of 14 contracts, with 10 contracts under construction and 2 contracts awaiting signature. Construction is expected to be completed and open for service in 2028 (according to the most recently adjusted map). Currently, there are various obstacles, especially regarding land expropriation, with the area already delivered to the contractor.
Only 2 contracts remain, namely Contract 4-1, Bang Sue Don Mueang section, spanning 15.21 km, which overlaps with the high-speed rail project connecting three airports (Don Mueang - Suvarnabhumi - U-Tapao). Negotiations with Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (CP Group), a private contractor for the high-speed rail project connecting three airports, are underway, with a 90% likelihood that the private sector will build an overlapping structure. The issue of amending the joint venture contract is expected to be resolved soon. As for Contract 4-5, Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section, covering 13.3 km, this week, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (S.P.O. Ph.), as the National Secretary of the World Heritage Convention, is preparing to present a report on the impact of cultural assets (Heritage Impact Assessment: HIA) of the World Heritage Site of the Historical City of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, linked to the Ayutthaya High-Speed Train Station, in Phase 1 of the High-Speed Railway Project, to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. UNESCO is expected to take its time to consider the report, and the results are anticipated within 2-3 months from now (approximately June-July).
Mr. Suriya also mentioned that regarding the signing of Contract 4-5 between the SRT and Boonchai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd., the private contractor maintains the same price limit of 10,325 million baht. The timing for signing the contract will be determined. It is expected that when the HIA is sent to UNESCO, UNESCO will initially inquire if there are any concerns or additional information needed. If there are no issues, the contract with the private sector will proceed. Once signed, the SRT will immediately issue a notice to start work (NTP) to the private sector to begin construction on the runway first and leave the construction of the Ayutthaya station for later.
Source: Daily News newspaper, issue dated 3 May 2024
Update on Thai-Chinese high-speed rail construction: Work is progressing at km 42+450 to km 42+900 in the Ban Khlong Prem area (Chiang Rak Noi). This segment is part of Contract 4-3, the Nava Nakhon - Ban Pho section.
Update HSR Thailand|Korat-Lumtakong-Pangasok|May 2024
Iron Wheels Roaming
May 3, 2024
We'll just sit and watch the construction on the way back to Bangkok, from Korat all the way to Pang Asok Station. There are many points of entry into the area, especially after being quiet for a while, particularly during Bandai Ma to Pang Asoke. The clip from Muak Lek to Pak Chong.
ล่าสุด! รถไฟความเร็วสูงเชื่อม 3 สนามบินที่บุญร่มไทร CP ยันทำแน่ การเจรจาไปแล้ว 90%
Max Puttipong
May 4, 2024
Thailand-China High-Speed Rail Project Revives Negotiations, Aiming to Connect Three Nations
By Wannika Jittinarakorn | Krungthep Turakij | May 6, 2024, 6:35 a.m.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Rungruangkit will lead a Thai delegation to China on May 7-8 to participate in the 31st Thai-China Railway Conference. The goal is to move forward with the expansion of the Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai high-speed rail route, creating a seamless transportation link between Thailand, Laos, and China.
This high-speed rail project, a collaboration between Thailand and China, is a key part of the One Belt One Road strategy. It will promote regional trade, investment, and tourism while positioning Thailand as a regional transportation hub.
Construction of the first phase (Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima) began in December 2017 and is slated for completion in 2028. To date, two of the 14 construction contracts are complete, with an overall project progress of 32.31%.
The Thai delegation to Beijing aims to reinvigorate negotiations after a 5-year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thailand will reaffirm its commitment to the second project phase (Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai ), which is in the final design stage with an EIA review pending.
The estimated cost of the second phase is 341,351 million baht. Construction bidding will likely begin in 2025, with service expected to start in 2031. This section will add five major stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.
The completed rail line will connect to the Lao-China Railway via a new Thai-Lao bridge, facilitating travel from Nong Khai, Thailand to Kunming, China.
Thailand, China Accelerate High-Speed Rail Project; Three-Airport Rail Negotiations Remain
Bangkok, Thailand May 6, 2024 Thailand's executive committee overseeing the Thai-China high-speed rail project met to discuss project progress and prepare for the 31st Thailand-China Railway Cooperation meeting in Beijing on May 7-8.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit confirmed that Thailand is ready to proceed with Phase 2 of the project (Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section). This segment will connect Thailand to Laos. He also emphasized the government's commitment to completing the project and connecting with Laos and China.
Phase One Update
The initial Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima phase is 32.31% complete, with two construction contracts finished, ten in progress, and two pending. The projected completion date for this phase is 2028.
Phase Two Progress
The investment and detailed design for the Nong Khai link to Laos are complete. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is awaiting approval by the National Environment Council. Service on this segment is expected to begin in 2030.
Contractual Challenges
The committee addressed ongoing problems with contract areas:
Contract 4-1 (Bang Sue-Don Mueang): Overlaps with the three-airport rail project remain a hurdle. Negotiations are 90% finished.
Contract 4-5 (Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo): Construction in the Ayutthaya historical site area has delayed contract signing. Environmental approval for this area is expected shortly.
Looking Ahead
Officials anticipate full resolution of contract issues within 2-3 months. New contracts for Phase 2 are likely in 2025, with a target completion date of 2031. This project aims to strengthen regional economic ties and connectivity.
Time is running out to meet the "High Speed" deadline for the BOI promotion card. SRT is negotiating with CP to streamline conditions to expedite the release of NTP and has agreed to amend the contract.
EEC Secretary is confident that the solution for three high-speed airports will be found to move forward. Negotiations are expected to be completed within 1-2 months. Insiders reveal that the deadline is May 22, 2024, when the BOI promotion certificate expires. The private sector is running out of excuses and time to hold on to the SRT.
Negotiations with CP to simplify conditions for expediting the release of NTP are underway, with proposals to amend the joint venture contract and share payment for the airport rail link rights according to the Cabinet resolution.
Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, revealed the progress of the high-speed rail project connecting three airports (Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao) covering a distance of 220 km, with a budget of 224,544 million baht. This project, listed as one of the four main infrastructure projects on the EEC Project List, is currently under negotiation by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), SKP.O., and Asia Era One Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Holding Co., Ltd., the concessionaire). There is positive momentum in negotiations, and a solution is anticipated that will allow the project to move forward as planned. The three-party working group is expected to conclude negotiations within May-June 2024, with a clear resolution anticipated within 1-2 months.
Following negotiations and reaching a mutual resolution, the process of amending the joint venture contract according to the Public-Private Joint Investment Act B.E. 2019 must commence. The SRT is required to propose approval from the SRT committee (board) initially, followed by presentation to the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee (EEC) and the Cabinet for approval. Subsequently, the draft contract will be reviewed and edited by the Attorney General's Office until the contract amendment can be signed. Upon completion, the SRT will be able to deliver the area and issue a letter to the private sector to commence work (NTP: Notice to Proceed).
Mr. Chula stated that one condition for issuing NTP is that the private sector must receive an investment promotion certificate from the BOI. The deadline for this is May 22, 2024. It is under negotiation whether this condition will be waived. The government's priority is to ensure the project moves forward according to its objectives. The issuance of NTP is critical for initiating work, and negotiations regarding investment privileges can be addressed subsequently. The focus currently lies on the high-speed rail project connecting three airports.
Regarding the joint structure issue of the "Thai-Chinese Railway" section Bang Sue - Don Mueang, with speed specifications of 160 km/hr, SRT intends for Asia Era One Company Limited (CP.) to undertake all construction according to the established speed standard. This aligns with the contract conditions for the train linking the three airports, necessitating no amendments to the contracts. Work required for the Thai-Chinese railway project, Contract 4-1, Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, may be considered an addition or Variation Order (VO), not requiring contract amendments. The determination of whether this VO pertains to the railway project connecting three airports or the Thai-Chinese Railway project is under consideration.
The Thai-Chinese Railway Contract 4-1 has a construction cost limit of 9,207 million baht, initially set at 4,000 million baht. Procedures for requesting an increase in the contract limit by approximately 5,000 million baht must be followed.
Regarding news of a joint investment royalty fee for the Airport Rail Link (ARL) project amounting to 10,671.09 million baht, payable by the private sector according to joint venture contract conditions to the SRT, deductions from the cost of construction of the joint structure contract 4-1 of the Thai-Chinese Railway are to be made. The Cabinet has approved allowing the private sector to pay installment royalties for the Airport Rail Link project. SRT has received royalties totaling 10,671.09 million baht, plus interest and opportunity costs, in seven installments, demonstrating leniency. Amendments to the joint venture contract include "force majeure" conditions in cases where epidemics or wars affect project operation.
However, the SRT has prepared a plan for delivering the project construction area to the private sector as specified in the contract. The first area, between Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao, is ready for delivery, while the Phaya Thai - Bang Sue section is undergoing the process of dismantling the oil pipeline. It is anticipated that the project area will be ready for delivery to the private sector by October 2024.
The Rik2 and Rik3 bored pile sets are now in operation behind the Roi Pee market. Adjustments will be made to the alignment of the machines for drilling piles at the back of the artificial grass football field. For your safety, please avoid this route. Project flags will be placed to clearly mark the construction area. This is to protect the safety of people and property in the area.
Thailand and China Revive High-Speed Rail Negotiations, Phase Two Construction to Start Next Year
Bangkok Biz News Online
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 05:04
Thailand and China have revitalized negotiations on the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project. During the 31st Joint Committee meeting, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced plans to accelerate the project's second phase (Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai), targeting pile driving to begin next year. The entire route is expected to be operational by 2030.
Mr. Suriya co-chaired the meeting with Mr. Wu Hao, Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, in Beijing on May 8th, 2024.
Key outcomes of the meeting:
Phase One Progress: Both countries acknowledged significant progress on the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section of the project. Land acquisition and construction are moving forward, with completion expected by 2028.
Phase Two Acceleration: Thailand outlined its detailed plans for the Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section (Phase Two). Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a target completion date of 2030.
Laos Connection: Discussions focused on linking the project to the Nong Khai - Vientiane railway in Laos. Thailand is building a new bridge across the Mekong River and developing a cargo transshipment center in the Natha area, with an expected completion date of 2028.
Technology Cooperation: Thailand announced the establishment of the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute (RTA) to facilitate technology transfer and innovation in rail systems.
Both countries expressed commitment to the project's success and fostering continued cooperation on rail infrastructure development.
อัพเดทงานก่อสร้างรถไฟความเร็วสูง ล่าสุด
รถไฟไทยสดใส
May 10, 2024
Latest update on high-speed rail construction work.
EEC is confident that three high-speed airports will have a solution | Economic Insight 9 May 2024
TNN
May 9, 2024
EEC Secretary-General is confident that three high-speed airports have a solution and can move forward. Negotiations are expected to be completed within 1-2 months. Insiders reveal the deadline is 22 May 2024, the time for BOI promotion certificates has expired. SRT discusses with CP to cut conditions and expedite the issuance of the letter. Let the private sector start work (Notice to Proceed: NTP) along with making recommendations to the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee to amend the joint venture contract.
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