High-Speed Rail.

         The High-Speed Rail Project (High Speed Train) is a massive transportation initiative to upgrade Thailand’s rail network in order to boost the country’s economy, connect trade and transit markets, and benefit other industries like tourism. 

         Two high-speed rail projects in Thailand have already started operation.

         1. The high-speed rail structure under the cooperation between the Thai-Chinese government is a transport link in the region. There is a connection point with the China-Laos high-speed train at Thanalang Station, Lao PDR, with a total distance of 608 kilometers.   

        Phase 1 Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima, distance 250.77 km. There are 6 stations along the route: Bang Sue Central Station, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Pak Chong. The elevated road has a distance of 188.68 km. Road embankments at ground level 54.99 km. and tunnels around Muak Lek and Lam Ta Khong 8 km. At present, civil work has progressed 15% according to the plan and the construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026.    

        Phase 2 Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai, a distance of 357 km. There are 5 stations along the route: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai. At present, the civil works have been designed and are under consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is expected that in January-July 2023, the bidding will start and the construction will begin in August-September 2023 and be completed and open for service in 2028.

         As for the railway link between Thailand - Lao PDR - China with a bridge over the Mekong River in Nong Khai Province, the Department of Highways, the Ministry of Transport, has continued to cooperate with the Lao PDR.

        2. High-speed train project connecting three airports including Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and U-Tapao Airport. Distance through 5 provinces with the main objective of developing the Eastern Special Development Zone (EEC). The project will use the structure and line of the train route from the Airport Link Mass Rapid Transit System, which will build a 1.435-meter standard gauge railway, extending 2 sections from Phaya Thai Station to Don Mueang Airport and from Lat Krabang Station to U-Tapao Airport, a total distance of 220 km, consisting of 9 stations: Don Mueang Station, Bang Sue Station, Makkasan Station, Suvarnabhumi Station, Chachoengsao Station, Chonburi Station, Si Racha Station, Pattaya Station, and U-Tapao Station.  

         As of October 2022, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has delivered the area outside the city (Suvarnabhumi - U-Tapao) for the project operator to complete 100%, it is expected that the construction can begin first, while the Don Mueang-Phaya Thai section has progressed 73.74%, with the Phayathai = Bang Sue section expected to be delivered in June 2023 due to having to the dismantling of oil pipelines which have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EIA).

Source: Ministry of Transport
Tel: (+66) 0 2283 3000