Thailand-China high-speed train rail links

Local media reports that the Thai National Council for Peace and Order has approved two high-speed train projects intended to link the country and southern China.

The Bangkok Post quoted an official as announcing that plans for a 737-kilometer line from northeastern Nong Khai province to Map Ta Phut in eastern Rayong province, and a 655-kilometer line from Chiang Khong in northern Chiang Rai province to Ban Phachi in central Ayutthaya province.

Trains will run at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour. The two routes will cost more than 20 billion US dollars in total. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and run through 2021.