Thai-China High-Speed Rail: Bangkok-Korat Section 55% Complete, Targeting 2030 Opening

The Ministry of Transport is accelerating construction of the first phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project while preparing to launch bidding for the second phase, which will extend the line to Nong Khai and strengthen connectivity with Laos and China to support regional trade, investment and economic growth. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Thursday chaired the first meeting of the executive committee for the Thailand-China Railway Cooperation Project at the ministry. Participants reviewed progress on Phase 1 of the Bangkok-Nong Khai rail project and preparations for Phase 2. Construction of the first phase (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) is now 55% complete, according to the latest update from the ministry, which aims to open the 250-kilometre section in 2030. However, authorities have privately acknowledged that a 2030 timeline would be “tight”, given that construction was originally expected to be 80% completed by now. Discussions on Thursday also focused on integrating Thailand’s rail network with those of Laos and China to create a seamless regional transport corridor supporting future travel, trade, investment and tourism. A ministry official said the meeting focused on monitoring progress and resolving obstacles affecting the flagship infrastructure project between the Thai and Chinese governments. The railway will link Bangkok with the Northeast of Thailand and Nong Khai province, a strategic border trade hub connecting Thailand with Laos. Once completed, the line is expected to significantly improve travel between Bangkok and major cities in the Northeast by reducing travel times and easing transport constraints. It is also expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods, decentralise investment from the capital, stimulate urban development around stations, and create new opportunities for businesses, tourism and the service sector along the route. Phase 1 has a budget of 179 billion baht, divided among 14 civil engineering contracts. Construction has been completed on two contracts, work is under way on 10 others, and procurement is continuing for the remaining two. Projects nearing completion include the Muak Lek and Lam Takhong tunnels under Contract 3-2, and the Lam Takhong-Sikhiu and Kut Chik-Khok Kruat sections under Contract 3-4. Authorities are expediting procedures to sign contracts and begin construction on Contract 4-1, covering the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section in Bangkok, and Contract 4-5 (Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo). The committee on Thursday also reviewed preparations for Phase 2, which will extend the railway from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The 357km section will include five stations and has an estimated investment value of 341 billion baht. The ministry is currently preparing terms of reference and reference prices for construction and supervision contracts while land expropriation is also under way. It plans to invite bids for eight civil engineering contracts by December this year, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and finish in 2031. Mr Phiphat, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said Thursday’s meeting marked an important milestone in advancing the flagship infrastructure project of the Thai and Chinese governments. “In the long term, the project’s objective extends beyond providing faster transport,” he said. “It aims to spread economic opportunities across all regions while developing a safe, accessible and modern public transport system that will serve as a key engine of Thailand’s sustainable economic growth.”