The first phase of a high-speed train linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima will be completed in 2027, said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri on Wednesday.
Mr Anucha said the first phase of the high-speed train stretches 250.77 kilometres and will consist of three different types of rail tracks: a ground-level track, an elevated track and a tunnel track.
The estimated travel time from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima in the northeastern region will be 90 minutes. The route will comprise six train stations and three maintenance stations, he said.
Building the first-phase route involves 15 contracts, 14 of which are civil construction contracts and the other a system contract, said Mr Anucha. The first of the 14 civil construction contracts was already completed. It is a 3.5km section starting from Klang Dong to Pang Asok districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, he said.
The section is a showcase to find out if local materials used for construction can match the standard of the Chinese high-speed train, which can run up to 250km per hour, he said.
The route is a part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project which will stretch to the border province of Nong Khai and will link to the high-speed train service in Laos and China, Mr Anucha said.
He said the Royal Gazette had announced the designated areas to expropriate for the high-speed train construction, effective on Aug 27.
According to the announcement, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will be authorised for four years to inspect the land properties along the high-speed railway. The transport minister will supervise the project.
"The government is focused on the investment in railroad development across the country, whether it is the high-speed train or double-track railroad," said Mr Anucha, adding the railroad system plays a crucial role in boosting the economy in terms of logistics and tourism.