en.Wedoany.com Reported - China and Thailand have reached a consensus on accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, with Phase I striving for completion before 2030 and Phase II planned for completion by 2031. According to Xinhua News Agency and the official website of the Thai government, during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to China from July 16 to 20, the two countries issued a joint statement on building a China-Thailand community with a shared future for prosperity. The statement noted that enhancing connectivity is a key driver of regional economic integration and shared growth, and both sides agreed to accelerate the construction of Phase I of the China-Thailand Railway, determine the cooperation model for Phase II, and commence Phase II as early as possible. The two sides also agreed to strengthen railway and road connectivity, and optimize procedures for entry-exit, customs, and inspection and quarantine.

The Thai government stated that it will continue to advance the China-Thailand Railway project, striving to complete Phase I before 2030 as planned. Thailand is also advancing preparatory work for Phase II and plans to build a second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, the Chiang Khun-Mohan Railway, and other transport infrastructure to further improve the regional transport network connecting southern China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Phase I of the China-Thailand Railway connects Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima Province, spanning 250.77 kilometers with 6 stations, with a total investment of approximately 179.41 billion Thai baht (about 39.9 billion yuan), comprising 14 civil engineering contracts and 1 train system contract. The latest data shows the overall project progress is about 54.56%. Phase II of the China-Thailand Railway connects Nakhon Ratchasima Province with Nong Khai Province, spanning 357.12 kilometers with 5 stations, with a total investment of approximately 256.4 billion Thai baht (about 57 billion yuan). Phase II has been approved and passed environmental impact assessment, with bidding and contract signing expected to be completed by 2026, a construction period of 48 months, and planned completion by 2031. The China-Thailand Railway is a key project in China-Thailand infrastructure connectivity cooperation and an important part of the central line of the Pan-Asia Railway Network. Upon completion, it will further connect the railway networks of southwest China with Southeast Asia, promoting regional personnel exchanges, logistics transport, and economic and trade cooperation.