200 trillion baht boost keeps Thai trains on track

Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Polaboot said that after an 800 trillion baht bill had been approved by the Thai government, 400 trillion baht was immediately allocated to use in the second round of national economic stimulation.

The government plans to allocate over 200 trillion baht for logistic development and will focus much of the cash on developing railways and marine transportation. This is in line with the government's economic plan phase 2 (SP2) to cooperate with Chinese government-run investors. Their expertise in fast-speed trains and twin rail system development will help connect Thai infrastructure to southern China’s railway transportation.

In addition, a feasibility study of a railway connection between Chonburi's Laem Chabang Commercial Port and Thailand's northeastern railways is now underway.

This project has attracted two Chinese companies. Its progress should be much clearer once Economic Deputy Minter Kobsak returns from a visit to China.