Sort out the rail system first

The government should really reconsider other gigantic ideas, like those for flood prevention and high-speed rail, particularly the latter, which is expected to cost Thailand trillions.

Sure, bullet trains capable of 300 kilometres per hour sound great because they can drastically cut travel time. But can the masses pay the high fares?

Before that happens, the government might consider implementing a national dual-track system with standard-gauge rails. It would automatically shorten commuting time and could also accommodate locomotives running at, say, 160 kilometres per hour compared to today’s 90kmh laggards. Fares would naturally rise, but would probably still be more acceptable to the public.

Finally, a dual-track matrix would allow for freight trains to help reduce logistics costs. Too many trucks transporting goods around the country are clogging our highways.

Scaling down on big projects where necessary would show that the government has some spirit in accepting the mistakes it has made with other schemes. If it doesn’t, it is simply revealing its true colour: to enrich the pockets of those in power.

Krit

Bangkok