He said he had met with CP representatives late in July and they were interested in backing the THB150 billion project to upgrade the line and services to Pattaya. Once the initial phases to Pattaya have been completed, the plan is then to extend the line to Rayong and the Map Ta Phut industrial zone and port.
The total length of the line from Bangkok to Rayong will be 194kms if it receives government approval. Minister Juntong says he will be seeking approval from the Thai cabinet before environmental impact assessment surveys are carried out, but did explain that the project would not go ahead without the necessary stamp of approval.
CP’s interest in diversifying from food into transport follows recent confirmation that another large Thai conglomerate had done the same. Drinks maker ThaiBev has expressed interest in backing a high-speed upgrade to the 210km-long track from Bangkok to the seaside resort of Hua Hin.
Thai conglomerate CP to diversify into train transport
News in Asia
The Transport Minister of Thailand has confirmed that Thailand’s biggest privately owned corporation wants to invest in a new high-speed train line. Prajin Juntong says the ministry has been holding talks with the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) over upgrading the route connecting Bangkok and Pattaya.