China and Thailand are working together to sign two contracts of the first phase of Thailand-China railway project, in September, to begin the construction work of the first section in October, Chinese Embassy in Bangkok announced.
According to the statement, the two countries concluded negotiations of the contract of design work of the first phase of Thailand-China railway project and agreed on the price in the supervision contract. The construction project had been estimated to take four years and cost USD 5.2 billion.
The construction of first phase, or the 253 km railway from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, will start gradually from the first 3.5 km section, the second 11 km section, the third 119 km section and finally the fourth 119 km section.
The railway project will also be further extended from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on Thai-Lao border, which is called the second phase.
“The preparation work for the second phase of the project will start soon,” the embassy said.
Chinese side will be responsible for the design work and supervision, which will incorporate many Thai engineers and architects while the Thais will be responsible for construction work. The project will also use Thai equipments and materials as much as possible.
First announced by the two countries’ leaders way back in 2014, the railway has faced a number of setbacks and delays over the years.
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