The Thai cabinet has approved the second phase of a high-speed railway project connecting Thailand to China via Laos. The major step will strengthen the country’s trade and logistics infrastructure, while also aiming to establish Thailand as a regional transport hub. The project, scheduled to begin construction in 2025, will significantly improve transport between Thailand and China.
Second Phase and Scope of the Project
Thailand Government SözcüAccording to a statement by the head of the railway, Jirayu Houngsub, the second phase will cover a 357-kilometer line and will include five new stations. The line will connect Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province to the Thai city of Nong Khai on the Laos border. The route will be a key part of the expanded high-speed rail line that will connect northeastern Thailand to China.
In a statement regarding the project, it is stated that freight transportation will be facilitated between Thailand's 1-meter gauge railway line and the 1.435-meter standard gauge line used in the China-Laos Railway. In this way, Thailand will become an important transportation point in trade networks within Asia.
Logistics Center and Freight Transportation Facility
The second phase will focus not only on passenger transport but also on freight. The project will also include the construction of a logistics center, which will provide a one-stop service for cargo transfers. This development has the potential to make Thailand a central point for trade, especially in Asia.
Jirayu Houngsub stated that the second phase of the project will contribute to Thailand's economic growth and that this line will provide great convenience in terms of cargo transportation. Faster and more efficient cargo transportation will strengthen Thailand's logistics infrastructure and strengthen its trade relations with China.
Construction Process and Schedule
With the approval given by the Thai cabinet on Tuesday, it was announced that the construction process will begin in fiscal year 2025 after the completion of the necessary legal and regulatory processes for the project. The Thai government stated that the opinions of the relevant institutions will be taken into account in the development stages of the project and that it will proceed in accordance with legal requirements.
Regional Impact of the Project and 2030 Target
This high-speed railway line, which will be completed in 2030, will connect Thailand to Laos and China more efficiently by road. It will provide faster and safer transportation between Thailand and China. This project is of great importance not only for Thailand but also for regional economic cooperation. Thailand aims to create new opportunities in trade and tourism by developing its transportation infrastructure with other Asian countries.
In ConclusionThe second phase of Thailand’s high-speed railway project, which will connect China via Laos, will not only provide ease of transportation but also significantly increase logistics capacity in the region. Construction, which will begin in 2025, will significantly transform Thailand’s regional economy and significantly speed up the transportation system in Asia when it is completed in 2030.
