The Thai government has officially approved the second phase of the high-speed rail project that will connect Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) to Nong Khai, with an investment estimated at 340 billion baht. This new phase will extend the existing Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima rail line and create a fast, direct rail link from the Thai capital to Yunnan in China, passing through Laos, where a high-speed rail service is already in operation.
Currently, the first-phase section of the line, which connects Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is under construction and is approximately 36% complete. However, the project has faced delays, largely due to disputes over financing, contractor issues, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there have been concerns raised by conservationists over the construction of the Ayutthaya station, which is near a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite these setbacks, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed optimism last week, confirming that bids for the second-phase section, which spans 357 kilometers, are expected to be called for later this year. The ministry aims to complete the second phase by 2030, with the goal of enabling faster travel between Thailand and China.
The approval comes just ahead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s first official visit to China, where she will focus on advancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. A government spokesman noted that the Prime Minister is particularly keen to foster long-term partnerships in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductor production, and data centers. Additionally, the government is addressing recent issues regarding rejected Thai agricultural exports, including durian and sugar syrup shipments to China.
The cabinet’s decision to approve the second phase of the high-speed rail also underscores Thailand’s commitment to improving regional connectivity and investing in infrastructure that will support future economic growth.