The China-Thailand railway, a landmark project representing the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is currently under full swing. The railway will inject new impetus into the development of the country’s economy and transportation.
Upon completion, the railway is expected to boost economic development along its route. It will be connected to the China-Laos railway, forming a railroad artery that crosses the Indochina Peninsula and accelerating infrastructure connectivity in the region.
The first phase project of the China-Thailand railway connects Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima province. The second phase will extend the track to Nong Khai province, an important town for border trade in northeast Thailand that faces Lao capital Vientiane just across a river. The second phase is expected to connect the railway with the China-Laos railway.
The Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok will be made into a transfer station for the China-Laos-Thailand high-speed railway and the Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway.
The construction of the China-Thailand railway is being carried out by a joint venture of Chinese and Thai companies. The Chinese teams have brought advanced philosophies, modern technologies and management experiences to Thailand’s railway construction. The building of the railway not only better connects Thailand and China, but also brings the two peoples closer.
The China-Thailand railway promotes the idea of green transport and has applied green and low-carbon technologies during its construction. It will be built into a green railway that features technological innovation and ecology-friendly development.
The first phase project is expected to be completed in 2027, and the second phase is expected to be completed in 2028.
The China-Thailand railway is a major boost to Thailand’s economy and transportation. It is expected to promote sub-regional development and bring the Indochina Peninsula into an era of high-speed railways.