Japan is likely to get Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's approval to its plan to build two double-track rail routes running from Kanchanaburi to Sa Kaeo and from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said.
The routes, which will be joint Japanese-Thai construction projects, will see new standard gauge railways of 1.435m linking provinces and major industrial areas in Thailand's westernmost and easternmost regions as well as the Thai capital and Chiang Mai, the tourist centre in the North.
Prajin: Plan awaits PM’s final say
The plan was unveiled yesterday by ACM Prajin after his meeting with Hiroshi Muto, Vice-Minister for Transport, Tourism and International Affairs of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to pave the way for the two countries' cooperation.
"Japan has strong intentions to construct both routes and it is likely to win approval," he said. "We're just waiting for the final say from Gen Prayut."
During the meeting, Mr Muto gave ACM Prajin a draft agreement on the two projects for consideration. It is due to be sent to Gen Prayut's cabinet in late April so a memorandum of understanding between the two countries can be written in May.
Then construction can begin as soon as next year, ACM Prajin added.
The prime minister said earlier that Thailand welcomes foreign countries which want to help develop its railroads, especially the Kanchanaburi-Bangkok-Aranyaprathet-Laem Chabang route.
ACM Prajin said that route is attractive to people from Tokyo because Kanchanaburi, which borders Myanmar, links Thai rail transport and the Dawei deep seaport project which Japanese authorities are interested in helping Nay Pyi Taw develop.
This line also runs past Japan's industrial bases in Thailand and the Laem Chabang industrial estate in Chon Buri before ending in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district, which is next to Cambodia.
Japan has also expressed interest in helping Thailand conduct studies of the Tak-Phitsanulok-Phetchabun-Khon Kaen-Roi Et-Mukdahan route, ACM Prajin said.