Why look beyond Japan for rail projects?

I have firsthand experience with rail travel in many countries, including those competing for rail contracts in Thailand. I have researched the safety records along with punctuality, speed and technical expertise, and learned that nobody in Asia compares to Japan. They set an example in safe and speedy rail travel that is consistently on time. Why would you even think of going anywhere else if human life and passengers’ welfare is important?
Don Grassmann