Thailand aims to get rail transport ties with China on track

Thailand is seeking more opportunities to collaborate with China, especially in the areas of rail transport, agricultural products and tourism, after months of political turmoil.

Phaichit Viboontanasarn, commercial minister at the Thai embassy in Beijing, said that plans for a high-speed rail line linking Chiangmai and Bangkok have been modified by the new Thai government, led by former army head Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The railway will instead be a conventional line connecting Nong Khai in northeast Thailand with the capital. Phaichit said the country will gradually improve its national railway network and work closely with Chinese companies that have mature technology at prices lower than those of many international competitors.