The Nation
The Thai-China joint committee has agreed on the framework of the Thai-Sino high-speed train project, in which Thailand will hold 51 per cent and China will hold 49 per cent.
The framework agreed by the joint committee of the two countries is expected to come up for approval from the Transport Ministry and the Cabinet, before negotiations begin with China.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed in April, Supoth Sublom, Transport permanent secretary said yesterday.
The project will be a joint venture with the right of routing operation for 30 years and automatic renewable for another 20 years.
Transport Ministry inspector general Chula Sukmanop said earlier that after signing the MoU, both sides would take one year to conduct feasibility studies, covering economics, engineering, survey and designs, and another four years for construction. The service is expected to open in 2015.
This high-speed train project consists of five main lines: Bangkok-Chiang Mai; Bangkok-Nong Khai; Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani; Bangkok-Padang Besar and Bangkok-Chachoengsao.
China has also signed an MoU with Laos for the Kunming-Vientiane route.
China also has a plan to connect its route to Nong Khai province where it connects with Malaysia.
