Thailand goverment will present to Japan three options for investment in double-track railways during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to Japan next month. The issue is among the main topics for discussion between Gen Prayut and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.
The discussion will involve the development of double-track rail lines using 1.435m standard gauge in Thailand. The minister said tha it will be presented some rail routes: Mae Sot-Phitsanulok-Khon Kaen-Mukdahan line (770 km); Kanchanaburi’s Ban Phu Nam Ron via Bangkok to Rayong’s Mab Ta Phut (339 km); Bangkok – Chiang Mai line (653 km) and Kanchanaburi-Rayong, that will be the gateway for goods moving from the Dawei industrial zone in Myanmar to Rayong, where there is a deep-sea port serving the Pacific Ocean, ACM Prajin said.
Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong said that if the Thai and Japanese leaders agree on investment, the next step will be for the two countries to sign a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a government-to-government basis.
Thailand and China last month signed an agreement to construct a 734 km Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut line, and a 13 3km Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok line. China would finance the projects with around 350 billion baht (USD 10.7 billion).
ACM Prajin said the government has no policy of only granting one country the rights to construct all double-track rail routes, adding that the government is ready to cooperate with any countries showing an interest.
Source: www.bangkokpost.com
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