Speaking after the meeting, Thai transport-minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the two nations would work out a schedule of operations in 2017 and expected to be able to conduct a feasibility study within six months. He explained that his counterpart, Keiichi Ishii, had agreed Japan would design a system based on the Shinkansen bullet train.
Mr Termpittayapaisith stated that the initial 380kms of the line from Bangkok to Phitsanulok would be built first as passenger demand was higher. He finished off by saying engineers would then build the 290km-long Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai section.
Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai currently take up to 14 hours 30 minutes. While they are slow, they do provide insights into the golden age of travel and are a relaxing option for the journey. 12GO ASIA sells tickets for Bangkok- Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai trains and buses as well as for other key travel routes in Thailand.
Thailand and Japan sign agreement on bullet train to Chiang Mai
News in Asia
Thailand and Japan have reached an agreement which will see a high-speed rail link built between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The transport ministers of the two nations met in Bangkok on Friday and signed a memorandum of understanding.