Three high-speed train projects shelved in Thailand due to lack investor interest
Bangkok-Phitsanuloke-Chiang Mai northern route, the Bangkok-Surat Thani southern route and the second phase of the eastern route between Rayong and Trat
The government has decided to shelve three high-speed projects due to lack of investor interest in co-investment.
Well-informed sources in the Transport Ministry said that none of the three projects, namely the Bangkok-Phitsanuloke-Chiang Mai northern route, the Bangkok-Surat Thani southern route and the second phase of the eastern route between Rayong and Trat, were included in the infrastructure master plan recently submitted to the economic cabinet meeting by the Transport Ministry.
Although a feasibility study of the Bangkok-Phitsanuloke-Chiang Mai high-speed train project has been completed, the sources said that the government has made it clear that it would not invest in the project unless Japan agrees to co-invest and provide technology transfer to Thailand.
For the Bangkok-Surat Thani high-speed project, the government doubts that the project is economically viable, due to high investment costs and the short 600km route, which may not attract investors from the private sector, said the sources, noting that a dual-track south-bound route is currently under construction and is due to be operational in the next 3-4 years.
Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-high-speed-train-projects-shelved-due-to-lack-investor-interest/
