Nov 17, 2025
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has signed memorandums of understanding with several engineering institutes to advance the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project and to maximize the use of local materials in accordance with the "Thailand First" policy.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), and the Railway Technology Research and Development Authority (RTRDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the development of the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, committing to the use of domestically produced building materials as much as possible. This cooperation aims to ensure the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and safety in the project, while reinforcing the Ministry of Transport's "Thailand First" policy.
SRT Deputy Commissioner Anan Chankankul stated that the MOU is part of the ongoing cooperation between Thailand and China in the construction of a regional high-speed rail network. The second phase of the project covers the section from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, and the agreement emphasizes the promotion of localization during construction.
The MOU, jointly signed by the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) and the Road Transport Development Authority of Thailand (RTRDA), aims to integrate the work of the three institutions through academic cooperation, research, planning, and the development of civil engineering standards for high-speed rail systems. The MOU also includes supplementary civil engineering requirements that exceed Chinese high-speed rail standards to ensure that all construction projects under the framework of intergovernmental cooperation between Thailand and China achieve the highest quality, efficiency, and safety.
The core objective is to maximize the use of domestically produced building materials in Thailand and to adopt advanced technologies and equipment from local companies that meet international standards. This move is expected to stimulate domestic economic development, enhance the long-term competitiveness of Thailand's construction industry, and align perfectly with the Ministry of Transport's "Thailand First" national infrastructure development policy.
The Memorandum of Understanding is valid for five years, from November 11, 2025 to November 10, 2030.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) stated that this signing marks a significant step forward in cooperation between national agencies and the Thai engineering sector, contributing to elevating Thailand's high-speed rail system to international standards and positioning Thailand as a future transportation hub for ASEAN.
The second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project runs from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, a total length of 357.12 kilometers, with a budget of 341.351 billion baht. It includes five stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.
The line extends from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. On February 4, 2025, the Cabinet approved the Ministry of Transport's second-phase plan, enabling the National Highway Authority of Thailand (SRT) to undertake land acquisition, asset compensation, and civil engineering works within the approved budget.
The SRT is currently preparing to apply to the Board for approval to proceed with the tendering process. The tender documents are expected to be released in 2026, with construction planned to begin that same year. The line is expected to be operational by 2031.
[Reprint Statement] This article is reprinted from: SRT (Railway of Thailand)
Author: SRT (Railway of Thailand)
Original Link: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40058372?utm_source.com
Thailand Business Center
November 17, 2025