Japanese investors have expressed interest in investing in Red Line electric train extension projects, said Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
Yesterday, Nashida Kazuya, the Japanese ambassador to Thailand, met Mr Suriya at the ministry to discuss how Thailand and Japan could collaborate in the development of transportation.
Mr Suriya said the two sides are continuing to work together to develop the connectivity of basic infrastructure in Thailand.
Due to the benefits gained from exchanging technical knowledge about various forms of transport, Thailand is delighted Japanese investors are continuing to support transportation projects in the country, he said. This is the key to strengthening related infrastructure and connectivity, as well as boosting bilateral ties, he added.
The topic of co-investing in the Red Line electric train extension projects was discussed at length, Mr Suriya said.
The projects will be submitted to the cabinet for approval of a revised budget soon, he noted. They include a 14.8km Red Line route from Taling Chan to Salaya featuring the three additional stations of Rama VI Bridge, Bang Kruai-Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Ban Chim Phli.
In addition to that is a 5.70km Light Red Line route from Taling Chan to Siriraj; an 8.84km Dark Red Line route from Rangsit to Thammasat University Rangsit campus; and a combined 25.9km stretch comprising a Light Red Line route running from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Hua Mak station and a Dark Red Line route from the central terminal to Hua Lamphong station.
Japanese investors are also eyeing wharfs A5 and B1-5 at Laem Chabang Port, Mr Suriya said. He said the Port Authority of Thailand plans to propose the bidding and investment details to the cabinet soon.
From Dec 14-18, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the transport minister plan to attend the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit and Thailand-Japan Investment Forum 2023, where they will highlight Thailand's Land Bridge mega-project to Japanese investors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote said construction of a 421km double-track railway project linking Nakhon Pathom province to Chumphon in the South is now 99% complete.
