Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has insisted the government has yet to sign any agreement with China over a railway investment deal, saying the issue has only been agreed in principle.
Speaking in his weekly televised address yesterday, Gen Prayut said he discussed the issue with Chinese leaders President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang during the Apec meeting in Beijing held this week.
"China is interested in the project because it not only helps to improve connectivity but also reduces the cost of transport. Our country is geographically the centre of Asean, so we could lose a good economic opportunity if the infrastructure is not ready," Gen Prayut said.
New tracks will allow better transportation from the Northeast to industrial areas in Rayong.
"I have informed the Chinese government that Chinese investors are welcome and will receive special favours if they invest in the projects that the government has set as a priority for the country's development," Gen Prayut said.
Gen Prayut also emphasised the country's close relations with China. He said the country wants to buy Thai agricultural products, including rice, fruit and rubber, saying Thai rice and fruit are currently popular in China.
Gen Prayut on Tuesday said his government has granted China permission to develop three 1.435-metres dual-track railways in Thailand based on a government-to-government deal.
Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said the routes will be Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaeng Khoi, Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok and Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut. The routes will cover 867 kilometres.
Thailand is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on the construction of the railways with China next month, ACM Prajin said. He said the Thai and Chinese governments will set up committees to negotiate the details of the agreement, while design work will take place early next year and construction will likely begin in 2016.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Britain and France have also expressed an interest in investing in dual-track railway projects.
He said the issue was discussed yesterday at separate meetings between Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn and a British delegation led by All Party Parliament Group for Thailand chairman Roger Godsiff and French Foreign Minister Philippe Varin.