ID :
141203
Tue, 09/07/2010 - 19:56
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/141203
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Cabinet approves draft of Thailand-China negotiations to build high-speed train
BANGKOK, Sept 7 – The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to a proposed draft framework of Thailand-China negotiations to build a high speed train system linking China, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia.
Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut told a press briefing that the drafted framework of negotiations was aimed at upgrading the rail system to pave the way for building high speed rail lines connecting the four countries of China, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia.
The decision was made after officials from China’s Railways Ministry had explored Bangkok-Nong Khai rail route and discussed with senior Lao officials from August 18-24, Mr Supachai said.
Following a feasibility study of the rail development, the high-speed rail lines were expected to serve trains travelling at the speed of at least 200 kilometres per hour in Thailand.
The three high-speed rail routes in Thailand included Bangkok-Nong Khai, Bangkok-Rayong and Bangkok-Padang Besar, a Malaysian town bordering Thailand in Songkhla province.
Meanwhile, the high-speed rail network connects existing routes in southwestern China of Kunming to the Lao capital of Vientiane, Thailand’s Nong Khai, Rayong, Bangkok and the Thai-Malaysian border town of Padang Besar.
Following the Cabinet approval, the Transport Ministry will conduct a public hearing on the rail development project and then will forward it to Parliament for further consideration, Mr Supachai said.
When parliamentary consideration is completed, the ministry will confer with Chinese government officials about the framework of negotiations for further cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.
In a related development, the spokesman added that the Cabinet also approved a plan to borrow US$400 million from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank), intended to improve the Thai rail system.
The loan will be allocated for three projects. The project is to procure electric locomotives and spare parts aiming to replace 50 aging General Electric locomotives used for over 45 years.
The two other projects are to improve the Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai rail route and the Thung Song-Hat Yai line. (MCOT online news)
Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut told a press briefing that the drafted framework of negotiations was aimed at upgrading the rail system to pave the way for building high speed rail lines connecting the four countries of China, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia.
The decision was made after officials from China’s Railways Ministry had explored Bangkok-Nong Khai rail route and discussed with senior Lao officials from August 18-24, Mr Supachai said.
Following a feasibility study of the rail development, the high-speed rail lines were expected to serve trains travelling at the speed of at least 200 kilometres per hour in Thailand.
The three high-speed rail routes in Thailand included Bangkok-Nong Khai, Bangkok-Rayong and Bangkok-Padang Besar, a Malaysian town bordering Thailand in Songkhla province.
Meanwhile, the high-speed rail network connects existing routes in southwestern China of Kunming to the Lao capital of Vientiane, Thailand’s Nong Khai, Rayong, Bangkok and the Thai-Malaysian border town of Padang Besar.
Following the Cabinet approval, the Transport Ministry will conduct a public hearing on the rail development project and then will forward it to Parliament for further consideration, Mr Supachai said.
When parliamentary consideration is completed, the ministry will confer with Chinese government officials about the framework of negotiations for further cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.
In a related development, the spokesman added that the Cabinet also approved a plan to borrow US$400 million from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank), intended to improve the Thai rail system.
The loan will be allocated for three projects. The project is to procure electric locomotives and spare parts aiming to replace 50 aging General Electric locomotives used for over 45 years.
The two other projects are to improve the Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai rail route and the Thung Song-Hat Yai line. (MCOT online news)
