Bangkok-Chiang Mai rail project gears up

Years of discussions and planning expected to start bearing fruit soon

Thailand and Japan are preparing to begin the first-phase construction of a high-speed rail project linking Bangkok with the northern province of Chiang Mai.

A feasibility study focusing on the economy and finance was reviewed at a recent technical meeting attended by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, Public Health Management Office, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

Attendees from Japanese agencies included staff from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese embassy.

The 688-kilometre rail line will have 12 stations — Bang Sue, Don…