Thailand’s Government Approves High-Speed Railway Construction Project

The government of Thailand has approved the second phase of high-speed railway construction. The new railway section, spanning 357 kilometers, will connect Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai on the Laos border. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Thailand’s State Railway Authority approved this project back in May 2024. According to estimates, its implementation will cost ฿341.35 billion (approximately $10.1 billion).

Don’t miss…Jerusalem Light Rail to Suspend Service for Five Days for Expansion Tests

High-Speed Railway Construction: Timeline and Investments

The first phase of the project includes a 253-kilometer section between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. However, as of January 2025, only 36% of the work has been completed due to financial issues and the pandemic.

Preliminary data shows that around ฿179.4 billion has already been invested in this section. Despite delays, the project remains a priority for the country’s transportation infrastructure development.

The Impact of High-Speed Railway Construction on the Region

The railway corridor will link Bangkok to Kunming, China, through Laos. A railway line between Kunming and Vientiane has already been operational since December 2021.

Trains will run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, improving both freight transportation and passenger mobility.

In 2025, Thai authorities plan to launch a tender for the new section’s construction. The work is expected to be completed by 2030, ensuring a reliable connection between the countries.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…1m Discounted Train Tickets Sold During Nationwide Rail Sale Event