On the 250 kilometer railway line between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, 14 civil engineering contracts are being simultaneously promoted. At the same time, during Thai Prime Minister Anuntin's visit to China, China and Thailand signed a joint statement in Beijing, clarifying the acceleration of the construction of the first phase of the project, the determination of the second phase cooperation mode, and the early launch. This major artery connecting Southwest China and Southeast Asia's railway network is accelerating from a blueprint to a reality. The last few pieces of the puzzle for the central line of the Pan Asian Railway, from Bangkok to Langkai, from Kunming to Singapore, are now in place.

The progress of the first phase of the project has exceeded half

The first phase of the China Thailand Railway connects Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, with a total length of 250.77 kilometers, 6 stations, and a total investment of approximately 179.4 billion Thai baht or 39.9 billion yuan. There are a total of 14 civil engineering contracts and 1 train system contract. The latest data shows that the overall construction progress is about 54.56%. Both parties agree to accelerate the construction of the first phase of the project and strive to complete it before 2030 as planned.

The second phase of the project has been approved and is ready for bidding

The second phase connects Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai provinces, with a total length of 357.12 kilometers, 5 stations, and a total investment of approximately 256.4 billion Thai baht or 57 billion Chinese yuan. At present, the second phase has been approved and passed the environmental impact assessment. It is expected to complete the bidding and sign the contract in 2026, with a construction period of 48 months and a planned completion date of 2031. Both parties have agreed on the second phase of cooperation mode and plan to start construction as soon as possible. At the same time, they plan to build the second Thailand Laos Friendship Bridge and the Qingkong Mohan Railway. The Belt and Road news, railway infrastructure, international cooperation

Accelerate the connectivity of regional railway networks

The project is an important component of the Central Line of the Pan Asian Railway, connecting the regional transportation networks of southern China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Both parties agree to strengthen railway and highway connectivity, optimize entry and exit, customs, and inspection and quarantine procedures. After completion, it will promote regional personnel exchanges, logistics transportation, and economic and trade cooperation, provide a fast track for the Central South Peninsula Economic Corridor, and enhance regional connectivity.Editor/Gao Xue