The Thai-Chinese high-speed railway from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima will act as a major spur to the economy, the prime minister said on Wednesday. Also present were Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate, acting Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Yang Xin and executives of China Railway International and China Railway Design Corporation. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri later quoted Gen Prayut as saying the high-speed rail route was an important strategic asset that would increase the country's competitiveness and develop cities along it. The transport minister said the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, expected to be completed in 2025, was in line with the government's 20-year national development plan. It would also help equally distribute income and reduce inequality while allowing for knowledge and technological transfer from China, which has expertise in high-speed railways.

Source: Bangkok Post October 28, 2020 23:23 UTC