TCC Group shows interest in high-speed train project

TCC Group shows interest in high-speed train project

TCC Group, owned by billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, has confirmed it is looking at joining the country's first high-speed train project.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had previously said several private companies might team up with big companies such as Charoen Pokphand Group, TCC or BTS Group Holdings to invest in two high-speed train routes — Bangkok-Hua Hin and Bangkok-Pattaya.

Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, chief executive of Thai Beverage Plc, a unit of TCC, said the company would conduct a feasibility study on the joint development of the high-speed train project.

"TCC is always open to new business opportunities. We expect to finalise the decision next month," he said.

Group businesses range from beverages and hotels to property and retail. It reportedly owns 10,000 rai of land in Phetchaburi province, drawing high speculation it will opt for the Bangkok-Hua Hin route.

Meanwhile, South Korea is keen to invest in Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS) II after the cabinet on Tuesday approved the Information and Communication Technology Ministry proceeding with the 7.8-billion-baht project.

Ambassador Jeon Jae-man said on Wednesday South Korea was ready to join the bidding for the THEOS II project as well as transfer technology to Thailand.

He called on Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula to express South Korea's interest in the project.

Thailand spent 6.4 billion baht on the first Earth observation satellite launched in 2008.

THEOS is wholly owned and operated by Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency and provides the country with worldwide georeferenced image products.

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