Thai cabinet approves draft MoU on Sino-Thai rail co-op
BANGKOK - The Thai cabinet has approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and China on railway cooperation, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
The draft MoU will allow China to play a lead role in building an 867-kilometer dual-track rail that will connect Northeast Thailand's Nong Khai province, capital Bangkok and eastern Rayong province, Yongyuth Maiyalarp said.
The route, divided into three sections, will use the 1.435-meter standard gauge and trains will be operated at speeds of 160-180 km per hour.
The cabinet has also approved a proposal to set up a Thailand-China joint panel to work out details of the rail project, according to Yongyuth.
The project, which is estimated to cost about 400 billion baht ($12.2 billion), got the green light from the Thai cabinet earlier this month.
Related Stories
Thailand mulling Chinese investment in dual-track rail 2014-11-14 16:59
Thailand to exempt Chinese tourists from visa fees 2014-07-17 15:10
Thai tourism booth hopes to woo Chinese, young and old 2014-05-30 07:00
China, Nigeria sign $11.97b rail contract 2014-11-20 13:32
India plans high-speed rail project with China 2014-11-25 07:06
Background
