High-speed rail in Thailand
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Thailand high-speed rail | |
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standard gauge | |
Operating speed | 300 km/h (186 mph) (Design) 250 km/h (155 mph) (Operational) |
Although Thailand has no operational high-speed rail lines, the country is planning a large high-speed rail network connecting its major cities. The first line of the network is under construction from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, with a planned maximum operational speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
History
In October 2010, the Thai Parliament approved initial proposals for a high-speed rail (HSR) network. Five lines capable of handling 250 km/h (155 mph) speeds would radiate from Bangkok.[1]
In March 2013, the transport minister revealed that only one company would be selected to run all high-speed train routes, scheduled to be operational between 2018 and 2019.[2] The first 86 km (53 mi) section from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Ayuthaya was planned to be tendered in late 2013. However, a seven-month political crisis involving the dissolution of parliament and an annulled February 2014 election culminated in a military coup in May 2014. In July 2014, the new military junta deferred all HSR plans until a civilian government is installed.
Following the military coup of May 2014 and his elevation to the office of prime minister, Gen
Proposed high-speed routes
No. | High-Speed Corridor | Route | Operation Speed | Length | Funding Model | Cost | Projected Operation | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Northeastern HSR Phase 1 | Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima
|
160–250 km/h (99–155 mph) | 250.8 km (155.8 mi)[5] | PPP Net Cost[6][7] | 179,412.21 million baht[5][8][9] (5,986 million USD) | "could be in service by 2028"[10] | Under construction |
2 | Eastern HSR Phase 1 | 250 km/h (160 mph) | 220 km (140 mi) | PPP Net Cost | 224,544 million baht (7,492 million USD)[11] | TBA | Site preparation | |
3 | Northeastern HSR Phase 2 | 250 km/h (160 mph) | 356.01 km (221.21 mi) | PPP Net Cost[6][7] | 226,340 million baht (7,552 million USD) | TBA | The Phase Two project "will [... be presented] to the cabinet for approval this year" (2024).[12][13] | |
4 | Eastern HSR Phase 2 | 250 km/h (160 mph) | 190 km (120 mi) | PPP Net Cost | 159,111 million baht (5,309 million USD) | TBA[15] | Planning stage | |
5 | Northern HSR Phase 1 | 300 km/h (190 mph) | 380 km (240 mi) | Japan | 212,892 million baht (7,103 million USD) | TBA | Planning stage | |
6 | Southern HSR Phase 1 | Hua Hin
|
300 km/h (190 mph) | 211 km (131 mi) | PPP Net Cost | 100,125 million baht (3,341 million USD) | TBA | Planning stage |
7 | Northern HSR Phase 2 | 300 km/h (190 mph) | 288 km (179 mi) | Japan | 232,411 million baht (7,755 million USD) | TBA | Planning stage | |
8 | Southern HSR Phase 2 | 300 km/h (190 mph) | 759 km (472 mi) | PPP Net Cost | 432,329 million baht (14,425 million USD) | TBA | Planning stage |
Northeastern HSR: Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima–Nong Khai (Sino-Thai railway project)
In November 2014, Thailand and China signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to construct the Thai portion of the transnational railway running from Kunming, China to the Gulf of Thailand. In November 2015, both parties agreed to a division of labour. Under the framework, a joint venture would be set up to run the project. China would conduct feasibility studies, design the system, construct tunnels and bridges, and lay track. The MoU stipulates that Thailand is responsible for 100% investment in the project and operates the construction itself, including conducting social and environmental impact studies, expropriating land for construction, handling general civil engineering and power supply, and supplying construction materials.[7]
Once built, China will operate and maintain the system for the first three years of operation. Between the third and the seventh years, both countries would share responsibility. Later, Thailand would take on responsibility with China acting as an adviser. China would train Thai personnel to operate and maintain the system.
Dual standard-gauge tracks would be laid throughout the project. In Thailand, two routes would diverge at a junction in
Construction of Thailand's 873-kilometre-long portion of the railway system started in December 2017 due to be completed in 2026 - however, media says that the main contract will have to be extended, according to a source at the Transport Ministry.
Eastern HSR: Bangkok–U-Tapao Airport
A HSR line to the eastern seaboard was first proposed in 1996 but there was no progress for over a decade. In 2009, the government requested the
During 2017, OTP and the Ministry of Transport in consultation with the SRT agreed that extending the line to terminate at Don Mueang would effectively include the long-delayed extension of the
The SRT stated that the first tenders for the Eastern HSR line are expected to be tendered by May 2018 with a four-month auction period before the contract is awarded.[24] The cost of the project was estimated to be over 200 billion baht, of which the Thai Government would fund 123 billion baht and the private sector estimated to contribute 90 billion baht.[25][26]
Two rival consortia vied for the airport link contract.
Northern HSR: Bangkok–Phitsanulok–Chiang Mai (Japanese-Thai project)
Japan would provide Shinkansen technology for a high-speed rail link between Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai. Phase 1 would connect Bangkok to Phitsanulok. It is estimated to cost 280 billion baht. Seven stations are planned for this segment: Krung Thep Aphiwat, Don Mueang, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, and Phitsanulok. To reduce costs, Thai authorities have proposed reducing the number of stations, but the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has rejected this suggestion on the grounds that it defeats the original purpose of the project.[33] This portion of the route was scheduled to be submitted to the Thai cabinet for financial approval in August 2018.[33]
After an initial cooperation agreement was signed in 2015, the Thai government formally requested the technical and financial assistance of the Japanese government in late 2016 for the building of the Northern HSR line to Chiang Mai.[34] The Japanese completed a feasibility study which estimated that the project will cost 420 billion baht to build.[35]
A feasibility study by JICA in mid-2018 reported that the train as planned would run at a loss. JICA's study projects only 10,000 passengers per day on the route, as opposed to the 30,000 per day forecasted in the original planning proposals. To be profitable from ticket sales would require 50,000 fares per day.[33]
The Thai government announced in September 2019 that it may cancel Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed rail project after private investors declined to invest. The cost of the 670 kilometre line is estimated to be 400 billion baht. Japan has turned down the project as a bad investment due to low passenger projections.[36] However Ministry of Transport denies that Japan cancelled the project.[37]
On 14 December 2022, the Department of Railways is discussing with
Southern HSR: Bangkok–Hua Hin
This line would link Bangkok with
See also
References
- ^ "Thailand to negotiate with China on high-speed proposal". International Railway Journal. 30 October 2010. Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
- ^ "Transport Minister: One firm will run all high-speed train routes". Thai Financial Post. 21 March 2013. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014.
- ^ "Difficulty in implementing high-speed train to resort provinces". Mass Communication Organization of Thailand (MCOT). 14 February 2015. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
- ^ "4 high speed rail projects in FY 2017 investment plan". The Nation. 1 November 2016. Archived from the original on 24 March 2018.
- ^ a b "Hi-speed rail work delayed over curbs". Bangkok Post. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ a b รถไฟความเร็วสูง ไทย-จีน-ญี่ปุ่น (in Thai), retrieved 13 March 2023
- ^ a b c เปิดความแตกต่างโครงการรถไฟความเร็วสูงไทย - จีน VS โครงการรถไฟลาว - จีน, retrieved 13 March 2023
- ^ Mokkhasen, Sasiwan (21 June 2017). "Did Thailand get railroaded by the Chinese? No way, govt says". Khaosod English. Thailand. Archived from the original on 20 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Thailand's high-speed railway will carry first passengers in 2023". Phuket Gazette. 4 September 2019. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b Marukatat, Saritdet (17 September 2021). "Nong Khai plans for rail link with China". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ^ Signing Ceremony Program of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement. The High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, retrieved 20 July 2020
- ^ https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2780144/srt-backs-2nd-phase-of-thai-china-rail?tbref=hp. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2024-04-23
- ^ https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2556205/china-envoy-lauds-belt-road-push. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2023-04-25
- ^ The High-speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, Phase 2 (Extension Line: Rayong - Chanthaburi - Trat Section) (PDF), retrieved 8 July 2020
- ^ HSR Market Sounding (PDF), 24 July 2020, retrieved 24 July 2020
- ^ Wang, Brian (25 December 2017). "Thailand high speed rail construction starts". Next Big Future. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
- ^ "Construction of Thai-Chinese railway begins". Bangkok Post. 21 December 2017. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
- ^ Jikkham, Patsara (17 November 2015). "Sino-Thai railway responsibilities set". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
- ^ "Hi-speed rail work delayed over curbs". Bangkok Post. 27 July 2021. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ^ https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2432925/high-speed-rail-project-behind-schedule. Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2022-11-08
- ^ Marukatat, Saritdet (13 May 2013). "Rayong added to high-speed rail link". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Mahitthirook, Amornrat (25 January 2016). "Military government set to link 3 airports". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
- ^ Theparat, Chatrudee; Chantanusornsiri, Wichit (14 February 2018). "EEC high-speed railway to steer clear of Rayong on safety fears". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Jotikasthira, Om (28 February 2018). "Auction for train contracts in April". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Theparat, Chatrudee; Jotikasthira, Om (9 March 2018). "New govt 'won't halt airport fast rail plan'". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Apisitniran, Lamonphet (20 March 2018). "Pitch set for airport rail link". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
- ^ "CP, BTS groups set to bid for airport link high-speed railway". The Nation. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2018.
- ^ a b Apisitiran, Lamonphet; Theparat, Chatrudee (14 October 2019). "Holding up the train". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
- ^ "SRT board members in mass resignation". The Nation. 30 September 2019. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
- ^ Leesa-Nguansuk, Suchit; Hongtong, Thodsapol (16 October 2019). "CP set to ink airport link deal". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
- ^ "Thailand gives green light for US$7.4 billion high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Pattaya". South China Morning Post. Reuters. 24 October 2019. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
- ^ รถไฟความเร็วสูงเชื่อม 3 สนามบินสร้างหรือยัง (in Thai), 3 March 2023
- ^ a b c Hongtong, Thodsapol (25 July 2018). "Losses predicted for high-speed railway". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
- ^ Mahitthirook, Amornrat (5 December 2016). "Government to ask Japan for rail project support". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Hongtong, Thodsapol (16 December 2017). "Bullet train project set to cost B420bn". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
- ^ Hongtong, Thodsapol (27 September 2019). "Govt mulls end of fast train plan". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
- ^ "ก.คมนาคม ยันญี่ปุ่นไม่ยกเลิกลงทุนรถไฟความเร็วสูง". thaipbs.or.th (in Thai). 27 October 2018.
- ^ ""กรมราง" ถก "ญี่ปุ่น" เร่งศึกษาลงทุนรถไฟความเร็วสูง "กรุงเทพฯ-เชียงใหม่" จบใน มี.ค. 66". 14 December 2022.
- ^ เปิดเส้นทาง 'ไฮสปีดเทรน' ภาคเหนือ ลุ้นรัฐบาลใหม่เคาะตอกเสาเข็ม (in Thai), 11 March 2023
- ^ "Hua Hin High-speed Rail Put on Fast Track". Hua Hin Today. 31 August 2016. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
- ^ "Muhyiddin floats idea of KL-Bangkok high-speed rail in Parliament". Coconuts KL. 30 September 2021.