Chinese delegation surveys new rail route in Thailand

NONG KHAI, THAILAND, March 11 (TNA) - Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong has led a Chinese delegation to survey a new rail route in Thailand, linking the northeastern Nong Khai Province with Map Ta Phut area in the eastern Rayong Province. Their Wednesday's visit to Nong Khai took place one day after the third train cooperation meeting between Thai and Chinese authorities concerned in Bangkok, during which many conclusions were reached, including engineering, procurement and construction investment patterns, as well as cooperation on technological and personnel development and project implementation. The fourth meeting of the Thai and Chinese authorities concerned has been set in April 2015, with the venue to be later announced. Tuesday's meeting resolved that local loans will fund land expropriation and construction materials, while Chinese finance will support the installation of electric, technological, railway and signaling systems. China plans to charge 2 per cent interest for its finance for infrastructure construction and 0.25 per cent for project management and loan preparation. Thailand has asked China to extend a repayment period from 20 years to 25-30 years and a grace period from 5-7 years to 7-10 years. Details of investment plans and financial sources for the project are expected to be concluded by August 2015. (TNA)