Thai-China Rail Faces Fresh Delays Amid Contract, Heritage Rows
The high-speed rail project linking to China, has been hit by new delays as Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn takes charge of stalled contracts and heritage concerns. The setbacks are adding pressure on the government to push forward with a scheme long seen as crucial for regional connectivity.
The project, backed by China, was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at Chiang Rak Noi in Ayutthaya in December 2015. It was presented as a transformative step for transport links in Southeast Asia. A decade later, progress remains slow, with construction and approvals lagging behind expectations.
Phase 1 of the scheme covers the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, a 253-kilometre stretch with a budget of 179.41 billion baht. Out of 14 contracts, only two have been completed, 10 are still underway and two remain stuck. The delays centre on Contract 4-1 and Contract 4-5.
Contract 4-1 covers the Bang Sue–Don Mueang section, running 15.21 kilometres and valued at 9.21 billion baht. It overlaps with CP Group’s high-speed link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Work has been suspended until a revised joint investment agreement is reached.
Contract 4-5 covers the Ban Pho–Phra Kaew section, 13.3 kilometres long and worth 9.91 billion baht. The proposed Ayutthaya station has raised concerns over potential impacts on UNESCO heritage sites. The original contractor, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, withdrew, leaving the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to prepare a new tender.
Despite these obstacles, officials are preparing Phase 2 of the project. This 357.12-kilometre stretch from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai carries a budget of 341.35 billion baht. The Cabinet approved the plan in February this year, and bidding is expected to open before the end of 2025, with completion targeted for 2031.
Transport analysts say the success of Phase 2 will depend on whether heritage disputes can be resolved and outstanding contracts completed. According to The Nation, “the delays highlight the complexity of balancing development with cultural preservation and private investment.” The rail link is intended to connect Bangkok with Laos and China, supporting faster travel and wider trade opportunities.
Key Takeaways
• Thailand’s China-backed high-speed rail project faces new delays over stalled contracts and heritage disputes.
• Phase 1 has seen only two of 14 contracts completed, while Phase 2 has Cabinet approval but awaits bidding.
• The project aims to link Bangkok with Laos and China, boosting connectivity and trade by 2031.
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1373026-thai-china-rail-faces-fresh-delays-amid-contract-heritage-rows/
