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Thailand’s High-Speed Rail Link to China Set for 2030 Launch

Thailand’s High-Speed Rail Link to China Set for 2030 Launch

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand has announced that its long-anticipated high-speed railway connecting Bangkok to China via Laos is now expected to be operational by 2030. The project, a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has faced multiple delays but is now progressing, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.

The 609-kilometer railway is being built in phases, with the first section connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, located about 220 kilometers northeast of the capital. As of now, construction on this phase has reached over 35% completion. The final stretch will extend the line to Nong Khai, a border town on the Mekong River, linking it with the existing China-Laos railway.

Once completed, the high-speed rail will provide a direct connection from Bangkok to Kunming, China, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing regional trade and tourism. The Laos-China railway, which links Vientiane to Kunming, has been operational since 2021 and has already boosted economic activity between the two nations.

The Thailand-China railway project was first agreed upon in 2017, but financial disagreements, design changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the delays. The Thai government remains optimistic that the project will transform the country into a major logistics hub, improving connectivity within Southeast Asia and beyond.

In addition to Thailand’s high-speed rail development, Vietnam is also advancing its own railway projects. The country has plans for a 1,541-kilometer line connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, slated for completion in 2035. Additionally, a new railway linking northern Vietnam to China’s Yunnan province is in the works, further strengthening regional transport infrastructure.

The expansion of high-speed rail networks across Southeast Asia marks a significant step toward improved economic integration, providing faster, more efficient transportation options for goods and passengers alike. As Thailand pushes forward with its 2030 target, the project is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional connectivity.

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