Designs for high-speed train could be signed in July

BANGKOK, June 17 (TNA) -- Obstacles encountering the construction of the Chinese-built high-speed railway project between Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima are now expected to be erased and designs could be signed by both sides in July, said Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. Small problems have hindered the construction of the first high speed railway in Thailand and they are now expected to be solved after Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as leader of the National Council for Peace and Order exercised his power Article 44 of the interim constitution and the plan was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday, said Mr Somkid. Upon completion, the high-speed train would be Thailand’s contribution to China’s One Belt One Road initiative after transport railway systems in neighbouring countries including Laos, Malaysia and Singapore are ready, he said. Interest rates to be charged on loans to be financed on the project are not a major issue because loans could be borrowed from oversea, if necessary, said Mr Somkid. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittyapaisith, meanwhile, said the invocation of Article 44 could help smoothen cooperation between governments of the two countries. Mr Arkhom said that he believed cooperation on the designs of the project could probably be signed next month. The Chinese side will have a full control on construction, an investment on the rail track and signals, said Mr Arkhom. The State Railway of Thailand will sign a contract hiring a Chinese construction firm, to be assigned by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, to construct and develop the project. (TNA)