CHON BURI: The construction of a high-speed rail link between the capital's airports and U-Tapao airport will happen in an area in Soi Chaiyaporn Withee in tambon Nong Prue of Bang Lamung district, says Pattaya deputy mayor Manote Nongyai.
The 220-kilometre high-speed train will cost at least 224.5 billion baht. It is backed by the government, which wants to provide fast public transport between the airports.
After City Hall met a committee from Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Mr Manote said 60% of the 900-rai (1.44 million-square-metre) station will belong to City Hall, while the rest will fall under Bang Lamung district's Nong Prue Municipal Office.
The mixed-use project will include not only the station but also condos and department stores.
Earlier reports said the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) would take over at least 50 rai (80,000 sq m) of land east of Soi Chaiyaporn Withee. However, Mr Manote said the land development method will be determined in talks between the contractor and property owners in Soi Chaiyapornwithi and one neighbouring area.
"City Hall and TOD will hold a public hearing, focusing mainly on what benefits the asset owners may enjoy," he said. Separately, Mr Manote said City Hall has held many public hearings regarding a suitable train system for use in Pattaya.
Mr Manote said an 8.3km line with 13 stops would make up the main system, with a 1.8km expansion to Laem Bali Hai Pier. They would link to the EEC high-speed train. The project will cost at least 20.805 billion baht in a joint venture with private investors, he added.
An earlier hearing suggested people agreed that a monorail and tram were suitable for the city, adding the road surface, land expropriation rate, and environmental effect were factors in the selection.
The results also showed the public was prepared to pay fares ranging from 16 to 45 baht.