railway

  • Thailand News

    Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project

    China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…

  • Thailand News

    On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…

  • Transport News

    Thailand and Laos to launch Bangkok-Vientiane railway this month

    Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in…

  • Thailand News

    SRT demolishes buildings in Nakhon Ratchasima for high-speed rail

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has begun demolishing buildings in a disputed area in Nakhon Ratchasima to expedite the construction of a high-speed rail project. Only one commercial unit awaits demolition due to a pending compensation claim. Demolition work started today, with machinery moving in to clear the area in the Mueang district. The SRT aims to clear this…

  • Transport News

    EEC office finalises plan for high-speed railway districts

    The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office is on the brink of completing a commercial development plan for districts within Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. This initiative is a segment of the projected high-speed rail system set to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. After a recent discussion in Pattaya City, recommendations are now being collated into an actionable outline for…

  • Thailand News

    Xi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality

    A replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand. As the wheels of progress turn, the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship venture under the Belt and…

  • Business News

    Thai trial shows railway’s agricultural haul potential

    A recent trial by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) has demonstrated the vast potential of railway logistics for long-distance transportation of agricultural products. The experiment resulted in a 13-fold reduction of carbon emissions compared to air freight, as well as significant cost savings. Running the trial with high-efficiency mobile refrigerated container trains, TSRI transported the Royal Project’s fresh produce…

  • Thailand News

    Malaysia mulls expanding rail project towards Thai border

    To outmanoeuvre economic rivalry with Thailand, Malaysia is contemplating extending its mammoth rail project closer to its northern neighbour, sparking debates over prosperity or peril. Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, disclosed that the government is receptive to the notion of linking the ongoing East Coast Railway Link (ECRL) with Thailand’s existing or planned rail infrastructure. The move comes amidst Thailand’s…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand and China unveil game-changing cargo link

    Thailand and China have launched a direct cargo rail link, whisking farm-fresh delights straight from Nong Khai to the bustling metropolis of Chongqing via Laos. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, a key player in this historic venture, flagged off the inaugural Thai train loaded with the jewel of Thai agriculture – dried longan. This marks the commencement of the…

  • Business News

    TAT forecasts surge of Chinese tourists into Thailand via land in 2023

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that over 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected to cross into Thailand overland next year. This surge is due to the China-Laos railway, contributing to visitor numbers, especially in the northeast’s second-tier cities. Chuwit Sirivejkul, TAT’s regional marketing director for East Asia, indicated that around 70,000 to 100,000 Chinese tourists, 2% to 3% of…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok rail projects transfer: Administration shifts major developments to MRTA

    In a bid to shift focus towards improving the quality of life and education for citizens, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to transfer responsibility for three new monorail and light rail transit projects to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA). These Bangkok rail projects, estimated at over 150 billion baht, were disclosed by Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of…

  • Economy News

    All aboard: China’s rail freight trail blazes historic route to Thailand, breaking new ground in cross-border cargo collaboration

    A monumental event unfolded at 10am on November 17 as a Chinese freight train, packed with 35 cargo containers, embarked on its maiden journey to Thailand. This is the first official rail freight transport from China to Thailand, made possible through a collaborative effort between the Chinese government and Thai private sectors. The destination of this freight train is the…

  • Business News

    Ayutthaya proposed as new logistics hub amidst Thai-Chinese rail development

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) proposed to the government to establish Ayutthaya as a new logistics hub. This development is in anticipation of the increasing investment stimulated by the construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail system. The suggested logistics hub would integrate with Ayutthaya’s existing rail, road, and river transport network. In addition, there is…

  • Thailand News

    Railway development gains speed: Thailand fast-tracks five-country rail link

    A plan to accelerate the development of dual railway tracks connecting five countries – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China – was announced at the 4th iTIC FORUM 2023: Power of Connectivity and Smart Mobility. The 4500-kilometre-long Singapore-Kunming rail line, expected to be completed by 2027, aims to boost the capacity of goods and passenger travel, making it more efficient…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand and Laos aim for US$11 billion bilateral trade boost with enhanced transport links

    Thailand and Laos have set in motion plans to increase the value of bilateral trade to US$11 billion (395.7 billion baht) within the next two years, as announced by government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious target was a significant point of discussion during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. Covering an…

  • Business News

    CKP and BEM partner for Thailand’s first solar-powered mass transit rail

    CK Power Plc (CKP) Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) have forged a partnership to bring the first solar-powered mass transit rail systems to Thailand. The collaboration aims to utilise solar energy to power the MRT Chalerm Ratchamonkol Line (MRT Blue Line) and the MRT Chalong Ratchadham Line (MRT Purple Line) which, combined, span over 71 kilometres and have 54…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s railway safety upgrade: 693 unauthorised crossings to be rerouted

    In the aftermath of a tragic accident last week in Chachoengsao, where a freight train collided with a pickup truck at an unrecognised railway crossing, taking eight lives and injuring three, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) resolved to close 693 unauthorised railway crossings across Thailand. The accident took place on an unauthorised crossing, lacking official signalling mechanisms. Of the…

  • Transport News

    Beyond Horizon: Thailand’s domestic-made luxury rail carriage

    A cutting-edge rail carriage prototype, known as Beyond Horizon, has been launched in an innovative collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Sinogen-Pin Petch Joint Venture and King Mongkut Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). With 25 luxury seats all equipped with touch screens for individual passengers, the demonstration unit on display is also fully accessible for wheelchair users. Somyot…

  • Thailand News

    Orange Line rail project prevails in court over BTSC dispute

    Bangkok’s Orange Line rail project has seen a court decision emerge in its favour. The Central Administrative Court announced its backing for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). In the legal dispute, BTSC accused the MRTA of unjustly altering the terms of…

  • Central Thailand News

    Lorry plunges from bridge onto railway in Chachoengsao, injuring passengers

    A lorry driver, fearing late delivery, tried to fight his drowsiness but couldn’t and lost control of his 10-wheeled vehicle, and plunged off an elevated bridge in Chachoengsao province onto a railway line. Officials and workers from Samut Sakhon helped clear the debris and transferred the injured passengers to a nearby hospital. Train services are currently using an alternative rail…

  • World News

    South Korean teen questioned for rocking high-speed railway

    South Korean police are set to question a teenager for allegedly placing a large rock, the size of a brick, on a high-speed railway last week. The incident took place at Singyeongju Station in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province, where a rail traffic controller noticed the individual trespassing in the restricted area via CCTV cameras. Local reports claim the teenager admitted…

  • Thailand News

    Flood-prone rail underpass raises safety concerns in Thailand, locals demand action

    Residents in Thailand‘s northeast Nakhon Ratchasima have encountered recurring flooding in an underpass railway tunnel, severely affecting their daily commutes. Despite the water levels receding, the tunnel remains dangerous to traverse due to accumulated sediment and slippery roads. According to reports, the under-construction Ban Bu underpass railway tunnel – part of a railway project connecting Chira Road and Khon Kaen…

  • Hot News

    High-speed rail project linking Bangkok to Chiang Mai expected to begin

    Thailand and Japan’s collaborative high-speed rail project, linking Bangkok to Chiang Mai, is expected to begin soon after years of planning. The first phase of the project would see the railway run from Bangkok to Phitsanulok for over 380 kilometres, then continue to Chiang Mai for another 288 kilometres. As officials from both countries met, Japanese agencies say the first…

  • World News

    Laos-China high-speed railway to bring increased trade opportunities

    The high-speed railway from Laos to China is full steam ahead as Laotian authorities say they hope it will increase trade opportunities for the region. The link, known as the Vientiane-Boten railway was opened late last year on December 3, as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Now, the railway operates daily to offer more economical travel, cutting travel…

  • China News

    First Thai rice export on Laos-China railway, step toward strengthening bilateral trade

    The Lao-Chinese railway to Chongqing delivered its first Thai rice shipment of 1,000 tonnes, boosting hopes to strengthen bilateral trade and benefit the economy. More rice exports, and other farm exports, will follow, says the advisor to Thailand’s Agricultural Minister. The advisor added that the Thai government is looking into exporting fruit, orchids, rubber, cassava, palm oil as well as…

  • Transport News

    Rail to connect Thailand to China delayed 3 years to 2026

    With recent plans fast-tracked to build a bridge to connect Thailand to the Chinese-La0 cargo train route, more rail projects are being focused on. But the plan to create high-speed rail service that travels 873 kilometres from Bangkok into China is now slated to begin operations 3 years later than originally planned. The first leg of the high-speed rail, which…

  • Bangkok News

    Renovation of Hua Lamphong may wait another three years: BMA

    It might be another two to three years until Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong station is developed for commercial use. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Office of Town Planning and Development has today put a hold to the State Railway of Thailand’s request to develop station and surrounding buildings for another two or three years. According to reports, the 120-rai site planned for…

  • Thailand video news

    Good Morning Thailand | Phuket sandbox, streaming services, high-speed rail in Thailand

    Tim, Bill and Able chat about the latest news stories in Thailand today, especially the latest information about the Phuket Sandbox and the re-opening of tourism for Thailand. All the latest news at thethaiger.com

  • Transport News

    Thai high-speed rail has 3 new contracts, projects estimated at 27.4 billion baht

    A high-speed rail line between Bangkok and Nong Khai just got a boost with the signing of 3 civil engineering contracts yesterday. The total value of the 3 projects is estimated at 27.4 billion baht, with the projects being valued at 9.4 billion, 11.5 billion, and 6.5 billion respectively. The State Railway of Thailand inked the deal with private firms…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand News Today | Burmese coup & tourist visa ’emergency extensions’ | February 1

    Myanmar’s military has taken control of the country in a political coup, deposing the elected government after reportedly detaining de-facto leader and ‘State Counsellor’ Aung San Suu Kyi, along with other politicians early this morning. The military-owned Myawaddy TV announced a state of emergency had been declared for 12 months and power transferred to the Junta. A news presenter referred…