Draft framework agreement on Sino-Thai railway project expected in Sept

BANGKOK, August 10 (TNA) - A framework agreement on a new Sino-Thai railway project is likely to be drafted in Bangkok next month. The Thai Ministry of Transport reported on Monday that Chinese and Thai authorities concerned will discuss details of the new Sino-Thai railway project again in Bangkok from September 10-12, during which they are likely to draft a framework agreement of the project. Under the project, China plans to build a new standard-gauge railway system from Nong Khai Province in the Thai Northeast, bordering Laos, to Bangkok and Rayong Province in the Thai East to connect its southern region with the Gulf of Thailand through Laos. Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told journalists that China and Thailand have already agreed on the routes of the joint railway project in Thailand and the setting up of a legal entity to operate the railway project. Referring to the latest discussion of Chinese and Thai transport authorities on details of the railway project in Chengdu, capital of China's southwestern Sichuan Province, last week, the Thai transport minister revealed that both sides came up with clearer plans on routes, station locations and training for Thai staff. According to the Thai transport minister, the Chinese and Thai authorities also agreed that a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) be set up to run the new rail service, after its construction is completed, although both sides have not yet concluded an investment plan of the project. Meanwhile, Thai Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith viewed that the SPV should not be a state enterprise for the sake of its flexibility and joint investment in the project should come from China, Thai state agencies, including the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and the private sector. (TNA)