The deputy PM explained that this figure was for building a line with the capability of running 300kph trains. He carried on by saying that if the line was built for trains with maximum speeds of 200kph construction costs would be significantly lower.
Minister Jatusripitak also noted that an international rail link from China would be built with a connecting point to Thailand at Nong Khai in the Northeast. As Chiang Mai is a kind of spur line from the Nong Khai-Bangkok tracks and will not have international connections the study says it does not need to be ultra-high speed.
According to the 12GO ASIA news team, railway improvements are being instigated for the benefit of both the Thai people and tourists. Minister Jatusripitak further noted that existing rail services are not frequent enough or fast enough for people travelling between the nation’s tourism hotspots.
Thailand applies brakes to planned hi speed trains to Chiang Mai
News in Asia
A senior Thai government minister says a planned high speed rail link between Bangkok and Chiang Mai will be way too expensive. Somkid Jatusripitak said a viability assessment carried out by Japanese specialists had revealed the cost of the 670km connection would be THB420 billion.