On March 6, 2019, Mr. Natthaporn Jatusripitak, spokesperson for the Deputy Prime Minister on economic affairs, announced that the Cabinet meeting acknowledged the progress of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project from Bangkok to Nong Khai, covering a total distance of 608 kilometers. The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, spanning 253 kilometers with 6 stations, and Phase 2 from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covering 355 kilometers with 5 stations.

For Phase 1, the construction contracts have been divided into 14 contracts. Currently, 2 contracts have commenced: Contract 1, covering the 3.5-kilometer section from Khaeng Dong to Pang Asok, is 45% complete, while Contract 2, covering the 11-kilometer section from Sikhiu to Kudjik, has completed the bidding process. The signing of the construction contract is expected to take place on March 6, 2019, with construction anticipated to begin in April 2019.


However, the remaining 12 contracts, covering approximately 239 kilometers, are expected to complete the bidding process and sign contracts by April 2019, with all construction work for the project anticipated to be completed by June 2019. The total project value is estimated at 110 billion baht, with services expected to commence in 2023.


Throughout the project, challenges have arisen regarding operational systems, technical standards, legal frameworks, regulations, as well as language and cultural differences between the two countries. For instance, in construction, the standards for materials used in high-speed rail, such as cement, stone, and steel, are specific to China, necessitating strict quality control of manufacturers and rigorous testing of materials produced in Thailand.


“In May 2018, a joint committee meeting for railway cooperation between Thailand and China was held, where both parties acknowledged the ongoing bidding process for the Sikhiu-Kudjik section,” Mr. Natthaporn stated.

 

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