High-speed train at a railway station, a symbol of the planned train connection between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai that will improve transportation and trade in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Thailand approves phase two of high-speed rail to Nong Khai – project accelerated

2025-02-22

The Thai government has officially approved phase two of the China-Thailand high-speed railway project between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong KhaiThe project, which has been delayed several times, now has a clearer timetable and is said to be operational by 2030. At the same time, China has urged Thailand to accelerate construction to boost regional infrastructure.

What does the approval of phase two mean?

The Thai government approved the construction of the second phase of the high-speed rail line on February 4, 2025, which will connect Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The line will be part of the planned connection between Bangkok and Vientiane in Laos, which in turn connects to China's railway network.

New development in the project

Sedan Bangkok Post reported on the government's approval of the project several weeks ago, there have been several important advances:

  • China is pressing on: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Thailand to speed up construction to get the railway operational as soon as possible.
  • Schedule for start of operations: The project is now scheduled to be completed in 2030.
  • Economic benefits: The connection will stimulate trade, tourism and investment between Thailand, Laos and China.

Why is this important for Thailand?

The high-speed rail is expected to transform travel in Thailand by reducing travel time between Bangkok and Nong Khai to approximately 3,5 hours. It becomes a central part of the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR), which aims to connect Southeast Asia with China and Europe.

Conclusion

With official approval of phase two and increased pressure from China, Thailand now appears to be moving the project forward at a faster pace. If the schedule holds, the railway could soon become a key component of Thailand’s economic and logistical future.

Map of the planned Trans-Asian Railway from Kunming, China to Singapore, with major stops in Bangkok, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City. The map marks existing and planned railway lines with dotted lines.
The Trans-Asian Railway is an ambitious transport corridor that will connect Kunming in China to Singapore, via major cities such as Bangkok, Hanoi and Phnom Penh. The project aims to improve regional trade and passenger traffic in Southeast Asia.

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: ClickerHappy, Pixabay, original image