Bangkok-Rayong high speed train project set to start by 2017

RAYONG, THAILAND, November 25 (TNA) - A new high speed train project, linking Bangkok with the eastern Rayong Province under the Thai government's Eastern Economic Corridor Development Plan, will be launched by 2017. Giving a lecture at a seminar in Rayong Province on November 24, organised by the provincial real estate association, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpitthayapaisith told participants of the update, saying that the project, once being in full service, should boost the local economy of Rayong and adjacent areas. Arkhom noted that the Bangkok-Rayong high speed train project has been under the Thai government's Eastern Economic Corridor Development Plan since 2015 and it has been forwarded to the Private Public Partnership (PPP) Committee in order to seek private sector's co-investment, which should have a clear direction by next year. The minister pointed out that the high speed train project would help save traveling time between Bangkok and Rayong and vice versa, opening an opportunity of economic growth for the eastern Thai province. Besides, local tourist-related businesses and Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) venues would be promoted and further expanded. (TNA)