Canada has expressed interest in investing in rail systems, both in Bangkok and upcountry.
This makes Canada the latest country to be drawn to the country's infrastructure development projects.
China earlier agreed with Thailand to co-develop a dual-track route from Bangkok to Map Ta Phut and Nong Khai, and Japan agreed to help the government push ahead with another dual-track line from Kanchanaburi to Sa Kaeo as well as a Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed train.
Canada is particularly eager to invest in electric rail projects in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces because it has expertise in electric rail technology, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said yesterday after meeting Canadian ambassador to Thailand Philip Calvert.
Mr Calvert added his country is also interested in Bangkok's plans for other dual-track railway and high-speed train projects, Mr Arkhom quoted him as saying.
"Thailand would welcome Canada to join the bidding," Mr Arkhom said, or it can choose to form joint ventures with Thai companies taking part in the bidding.
Bombardier Inc, a Canadian multinational company which specialises in aerospace, railway and defence industries, earlier expressed an interest in investing in Thai railway projects.
Also yesterday, Choi Chang Yeol, chief executive officer of Sung Bo Constructions Co, met Mr Arkhom on his planned investment in two motorway projects -- the Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima and Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi routes.
The government welcomed the South Korean firm in joining the bidding but rejected the company's offer of turnkey contracts.