The construction of the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, extending 356 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, will adhere to international standards and be closely supervised by Thailand, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated on Wednesday. Nearly all construction materials will be sourced domestically, and Thai contractors will be responsible for the work.
Speaking after the 32nd Thai-Chinese joint committee meeting on the project, Suriya said the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is in the process of drafting terms of reference for the second phase. The documents are expected to be completed within two to three months, after which tenders will be issued. Construction is anticipated to begin this year.
The second phase will extend the high-speed rail network to Laos and China, aligning with broader regional infrastructure development plans. The project will not involve international bidding, in accordance with the Government Procurement and Supplies Management Act of 2017, with Thai engineers and contractors overseeing the construction. Suriya expressed confidence that the project will meet international safety and engineering standards.
In light of the March 28 earthquake that affected Bangkok and led to the collapse of a 30-storey building in Chatuchak, Suriya emphasized the need for stringent quality control in major infrastructure projects. The Transport Ministry has directed the SRT to ensure all construction materials and processes meet strict safety and earthquake-resistance standards.
SRT Governor Weeris Amrapal reiterated that the second-phase construction would rely entirely on locally produced materials, with rigorous quality testing at every stage. Meanwhile, the first phase of the project, a 250.77-kilometer stretch from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, remains under construction, with completion now expected in 2029.
