Thailand advances rail links to China with 2027 high-speed tender plan

Thailand is preparing to launch bidding in 2027 for the second phase of the Thai–China high-speed railway, connecting Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai, as the Transport Ministry accelerates rail infrastructure development to strengthen cross-border transport links.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn outlined the plans following an inspection of Nong Khai railway station, a major freight interchange between Thailand and Laos.

The second-phase high-speed railway will cover 357.12 kilometres, with an investment budget of THB341.35 billion. Technical preparations and standards certification are underway, with procurement expected to begin in 2027.

The Cabinet has already approved the project in principle, with passenger services targeted to begin in 2033. Construction will proceed alongside the first phase without waiting for the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima section to be completed.

The new line will primarily serve passengers, with an anticipated average operating speed of approximately 160 kilometres per hour. Once the network is completed, the journey from Bangkok to Nong Khai is expected to take just over five hours.

Khon Kaen–Nong Khai double-track railway set for 2028

The ministry is also pushing ahead with the second phase of its double-track railway development programme, including the 167-kilometre Khon Kaen–Nong Khai section.

The project has a construction budget of THB28.68 billion, with civil engineering works already underway. Completion and the start of services are scheduled for 2028.

Phiphat emphasised that the upgraded railway would help accommodate future freight and passenger demand while strengthening Thailand's connections with neighbouring countries.

Two contracts delay first-phase high-speed railway

Construction of the first phase of the Thai–China high-speed railway, linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, is approximately 50% complete. However, two outstanding contracts have delayed progress.

Contract 4-1, covering the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, was originally linked to the high-speed railway connecting Thailand's three major airports.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to propose separating the contract from the three-airport project, allowing the agency to undertake construction directly and accelerate progress.

Another issue involves Contract 4-5, covering the Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo section, which passes through the Ayutthaya World Heritage area.

Discussions with relevant heritage authorities have produced an agreed approach to resolving the issue.

Phiphat expects the outstanding contractual matters to be settled within one year. Construction would then take approximately three years, followed by railway systems installation, with the first phase expected to become operational within five years.

Nong Khai strengthens cross-border freight connections

Phiphat highlighted Nong Khai railway station's growing importance as a logistics hub for cargo moving between Thailand, Laos and China.

The station handles goods transported from Laos for onward shipment through Laem Chabang Port, including agricultural exports such as durian and other fruit destined for China. The value of this trade has reached hundreds of billions of baht annually, according to the minister.

He also described freight movements involving agricultural products and raw materials, including rubber, transported from southern China through Laos to Nong Khai before continuing to Laem Chabang Port for shipment to Shanghai.

According to Phiphat, this route can reduce transport time and costs compared with moving goods over longer distances within China. It also supports two-way freight movements, improving the efficiency of the regional logistics network.

Udon Thani station prepares for passenger growth

The ministry also anticipates substantial growth in railway passenger numbers following the completion of the double-track and high-speed rail projects.

Projections for 2051 indicate that Udon Thani railway station could serve approximately 1,363,250 passengers annually, equivalent to an average of 3,735 passengers per day.

The forecast highlights the need to prepare railway infrastructure and develop areas surrounding stations to accommodate urban expansion and growing travel demand.

Phiphat stressed the importance of ensuring that railway investment is supported by appropriate infrastructure planning to meet the region's future transport requirements.

Source: Thansettakij