Regional News
Office of Transport Announces High-Speed Train to Pattaya Beach in 2018
BANGKOK – The first high-speed train line from Bangkok to Pattaya is expected to begin by 2018 after the government opens a bid to build the service in September, Bangkok Post online reported on Tuesday.
Chula Sukmanob, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said the Pattaya line would take five years to
Map shows the four high-speed rail projects currently in the planning stage, with the solid red line to Pattaya to be built within five yearscomplete for the one-hour route. It will be followed by trains to center of northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, upper central province of Phitsanulok and touristic area of the upper South, Hua Hin district in Prachuab Kirikhan province, a year later.
The train will run at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour.
Chula said the bid for the technology for the four high-speed lines could take place in September followed by bids for other aspects. The bid for technology can help the government project the entire construction cost, he added.
Companies from various foreign countires are among possible contenders bidding on technology.
The train project is part of the government’s 68 billion US dollar infrastructure development scheme. It plans to forward the project draft to parliament for approval this month.
The second phase of the train project includes the extension of Phitsanulok line to touristic northern province of Chiang Mai.