By 2030, the implementation of the second phase will enable smooth journey from Bangkok to China.
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 14: 40
The government on Tuesday gave an official approval for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed coach line, which runs from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, for an investment of about 340 billion ringgit.
The line had connect to the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima second step, which is currently being built, allowing for quick journey from the Thai funds to Yunnan in China via Laos, where a high-speed range is already in operation.
As of last month, structure of the first-phase part was about 36 % full, many years behind schedule.
Due to disagreements over funding, contractors having profitability issues, the pandemic, and a controversy surrounding the Ayutthaya station’s construction, which conservationists claimed could have an impact on a Unesco World Heritage site, there have been delays.
The government expects bids for the 357-kilometer following phase this week, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who stated last week that construction would be finished by 2030.
The following phase’s acceptance comes one day before Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s first official visit to China.
The prime minister will use the visit, according to government official Jirayu Huangsab, to encourage participation on financial, trade, and expense issues during her journey.
According to Mr. Jirayu, Ms. Paetongtarn wants to accelerate the development of long-term purchase partnerships, particularly in those that are crucial for green and electric change in Thailand, such as electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, and data centers.
The prime minister also requested that the government give more weight to product standards, quality, and safety, especially those for agriculture and food. This comes after China rejected supplies of Thai durian and sugar syrup. Although the edible problem has been resolved, syrup shipments for hundreds of millions of baht still remain blocked.
Ms Paetongtarn also reiterated the president’s increased focus on security measures for tourists, saying she would not let international gangs, especially call center scams, apply Thailand as a transport point, said the spokesman.