Giving details of the collaboration, spokesperson Weerachon Sukhondha-patipak explained that Thai firms would work with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japanese Transport Ministry on the project. He noted that the development was in keeping with the aim of providing improved transportation infrastructure to connect Thailand to Cambodia and Vietnam.
The spokesperson finished off by saying representatives from Thailand and Japan would formally sign the agreement today in Tokyo. The partners in this collaboration are also due to assess the feasibility of a cross-country rail service from Mae Sot on the border with Myanmar to Mukdahan and the Mekong River bridge for Laos.
Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Thai transport-minister Prajin Juntong said the new 715-km-long Bangkok-Chiang Mai line would transport its first passengers in 2019 if all went according schedule. The minister said the estimated cost of the project was THB400 billion and the Japanese government had already stated it would provide a low-interest loan to enable it to go ahead.
High speed trains to Chiang Mai get green light
News in Asia
Thailand’s ruling government says it has given the green light for the construction of a track from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to accommodate high-speed trains. The cabinet endorsed a memorandum of cooperation with two Japanese organisations which will see 250kph trains link the nation’s two principal cities.