A Fuxing Hao CR300 train made by CRRC Corp, the Chinese state-owned company that is the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipment, is expected to be used on the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed line. Photo The Bangkok Post

BANGKOK – The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday approved the second phase of the Thailand-China high-speed train project, which is worth THB341.35 billion (US$10.04 billion USD).

As reported by the Bangkok Post, the line would link up with the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima first phase now under construction, allowing for fast travel from the Thai capital to China’s Yunnan via Laos where a high-speed line is already operating.

As of last month, construction of the first-phase section was about 36 per cent complete, several years behind schedule.

Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said last week that the ministry expects to call bids for the 357-kilometre second phase this year, with construction to be completed by 2030.

The approval of the second phase comes the day before Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra makes her first official visit to China for cooperation on economy, trade and investment.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab said the PM hopes to accelerate the promotion of long-term investment partnerships, especially in future fields vital for green and digital transformation in Thailand such as electric vehicles, semiconductor production and data centres. VNS