Thailand Targets 2027 Bidding for Second Phase of Thai-Chinese High-Speed Railway

Thailand Targets 2027 Bidding for Second Phase of Thai-Chinese High-Speed Railway

BANGKOK, November 5, 2026 — Thailand plans to begin bidding in 2027 for the second phase of its Thai-Chinese high-speed railway, connecting Nakhon Ratchasima with Nong Khai near the Lao border, as the country seeks to strengthen passenger transport and cross-border trade links with Laos and China.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced the timetable following an inspection of Nong Khai railway station, which serves as an important freight interchange for regional trade.

The 357.12-kilometre second phase has an estimated investment budget of 341.35 billion baht. Technical preparations and standards certification are underway, while the Cabinet has already granted approval in principle.

Passenger services are targeted to begin in 2033. The project is expected to proceed alongside construction of the first phase between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The railway is primarily designed for passenger transport, with an expected average operating speed of around 160 kilometres per hour. Once the full network is completed, travel between Bangkok and Nong Khai is expected to take slightly more than five hours.

First Phase Faces Outstanding Contract Issues

The first phase, linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, is approximately 50% complete but remains delayed by two unresolved construction contracts.

Contract 4-1 covers the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, while Contract 4-5 involves the Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section near the Ayutthaya World Heritage area.

Phiphat said the State Railway of Thailand was preparing to separate the Bang Sue-Don Mueang work from the three-airport high-speed rail project, while discussions with heritage authorities had produced an agreed solution for the Ayutthaya section.

He expects both issues to be resolved within a year, with construction taking approximately three additional years, followed by installation of railway systems. The first phase is expected to open within five years.

Double-Track Railway to Strengthen Regional Trade

Thailand is also advancing the second phase of its double-track railway programme, including the 167-kilometre Khon Kaen-Nong Khai section.

The 28.68-billion-baht project is already under construction, with completion and the start of services scheduled for 2028.

Nong Khai station currently handles goods transported from Laos for onward shipment to Laem Chabang Port, including durian and other agricultural products destined for China.

Phiphat said cross-border trade through the railway network was worth hundreds of billions of baht annually. He also highlighted the movement of agricultural products and raw materials, including rubber, from southern China through Laos to Thailand for onward shipment.

Udon Thani Prepares for Growing Passenger Demand

The Transport Ministry expects passenger numbers to increase following completion of the double-track and high-speed railway projects.

By 2051, Udon Thani railway station is projected to handle approximately 1.36 million passengers annually, equivalent to around 3,735 passengers per day.

Phiphat said railway infrastructure and surrounding areas would need careful planning to accommodate future passenger demand and urban expansion.