Conclusion of Thai-Japanese high speed train project expected by March 2018

BANGKOK, February 8 (TNA) - A clear conclusion of the Thai-Japanese high speed train project, linking Bangkok with the northern Thai resort Chiang Mai Province, is expected by March 2018. Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith (อาคม เติมพิทยาไพสิฐ) told journalists of the update on February 7, after a meeting in Bangkok between his ministry's officials and those from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Arkhom explained that the Japanese side agreed at Wednesday's meeting to conduct an additional study on the project, with its clear conclusion expected by the end of this month and likely to be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for further consideration and a decision by next month. Arkhom revealed that Wednesday's talks focused on the 380 kilometer-first phase of the project, linking Bangkok with the lower northern Phitsanulok Province, with a budget initially set at about 276 billion baht, passing through seven stations, including Bang Sue and Don Muang in Bangkok, the central Ayutthaya and Lop Buri Provinces, as well as the lower northern Nakhon Sawan and Phichit Provinces, before ending at Phitsanulok Province. Arkhom said both sides discussed issues on the cost effectiveness, cover the optimal stations and the number of passengers, travelling options of passengers and the development of commercial and overall urban areas surrounding the stations based on an economic impact report (EIR). Besides, both sides looked into public demand for the project and impacts from its connectivity with other regional transport projects. According to the minister, the Japanese side offered a soft loan to the Thai government to develop the project, with all the issues to be reviewed by the Japanese working team and expected to be ready for the Thai Cabinet's further consideration and decision by next month. (TNA)