Thailand to connect Beijing and Singapore with bullet train
Thailand has begun construction of its 2.07 trillion baht bullet train system connecting Beijing, Laos, and Singapore, the Bangkok Post reported. The much hailed Pan Asian modern transport system is part of the government’s plan to make Thailand the logistics hub of Asean.
The railway is part of the Belt and Road Initiative of China. Thailand aims to increase its competitiveness with faster connectivity with neighboring countries.
The railway will benefit Thai economy as authorities plan to link Nong Khai in the Northeast with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the much-touted project to make Thailand’s eastern region an industrial and logistics hub for modern and smart production. In 2018, the EEC – encompassing Rayong, Pattaya, Chonburi and Chachoengsao – attracted 700 billion baht of investments from industries such as next generation automotive, aviation and logistics, smart electronics, medical tourism, food, robotics, agriculture and biotechnology.
The first route links Bang Sue (Bangkok) to Vientiane (Laos) and Mohan/Kunming (Southern China) and is reportedly more than 40% complete. The Bang Sue area, less famous than its neighbour Chatuchak, is home to the grand station and central point of convergence for all the lines. The massive four-story Bang Sue station, largest in Asean, will be linked to Thailand’s existing Blue Line, Airport Rail Link, and other train routes to local provinces.
The Southern Route currently under study plans a line from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Previously unfathomable, Bangkokians may soon find their next trip to Beijing or Singapore from Bang Sue in just a few hours by train.
