Thailand can become regional economic and tourism hub, says TDRI

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) - Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), a leading Thai think tank, says that the Thai Kingdom has potential to become a regional economic and tourism hub, thanks to its geographical advantage. TDRI senior researcher Chalongphob Susangkarn insisted on the potential of the Thai economy when delivering a speech at a seminar on Thailand’s rail link held in Bangkok on Tuesday, mentioning the Kingdom’s geographical location at the heart of Southeast Asia as a key advantage for regional logistics and transport systems. Regarding to the Thai government’s plan to develop and operate four high-speed, long-haul, round-trip rail services in four major routes domestically, including 745-kilometer Bangkok-Chiang Mai, 615-kilometer Bangkok Nong Khai, 221-kilometer Bangkok-Rayong and 982-kilometer Bangkok-Badang Bezar, the TDRI senior researcher viewed that the new projects would significantly increase volume of trade between Thailand and neighboring countries. However, the TDRI expert suggested that feasibility studies be conducted and sufficient funds be prepared for such the new mega-projects, as each of the new rai project is estimated to cost about 200 billion. Meanwhile, China and Japan are reportedly ready to render Thailand financial support to materialize the new rail projects, but the Thai government has not yet concluded its decision on the offers. (TNA)