Thailand’s ambitious high-speed rail project, designed to link Bangkok with China via Laos, is on track for completion by 2030. The long-awaited initiative is a key component of the country’s efforts to enhance regional trade and strengthen ties with its largest trading partner, China. The network, which will span 609 kilometers (378 miles), is expected to improve connectivity and foster economic integration in Southeast Asia.
The first phase of the rail project, connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is currently 36% complete, according to government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap. Construction on sections such as Klang Dong-Pang Asok and Si Khio-Kut Chik has been finalized, with multiple contracts for other sections currently underway. Once finished, this phase will cost an estimated 179 billion baht (approximately US$5.4 billion) and is expected to open by 2027. The second phase, which will extend the line to the border province of Nong Khai, is moving forward with design work completed and environmental assessments under review. This phase is set for completion by 2030.
The rail line is a vital part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will connect Thailand to China through Laos, with stops in Vientiane and the southern Chinese city of Kunming. The project is part of a larger regional effort to integrate Southeast Asia’s infrastructure, with Laos having already completed its own rail segment linking to China in 2021. The network aims to facilitate smoother travel and trade, enhancing the economic flow between China and Southeast Asia.
In addition to the high-speed rail line, the Thai government is investing in complementary infrastructure projects to boost freight transport capabilities. This includes the improvement of the Friendship Bridge, which will support heavier loads for cross-border trade. Both Thailand and Laos are collaborating on a new Thai-Lao bridge over the Mekong River, while the construction of freight transport zones near the Laos border is also under development. These initiatives are part of Thailand’s broader strategy to position itself as a key logistics hub in Asia.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pushed for faster progress on these transportation projects, which are seen as essential to improving Thailand’s global logistics standing. The ongoing developments are monitored by the Thai-Chinese Joint Committee on Railway Cooperation, which ensures coordination between the two countries as they work toward enhancing infrastructure connectivity across the region.
