Negotiations on the first of 14 partial contracts between Thailand and China for the construction of the high-speed line (HSL) from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima have failed, but Transport Minister Arkhom believes that the parties will be able to reach a solution.

The contract covers the rails, the electrical system, equipment and training. The budgeted costs have been increased by 7 billion to 45 billiard baht. China, which accounts for 85 percent of the investment costs, wants to receive more interest on the loan amount.

Both countries also disagree about the warranty period. China proposes 1 year but Thailand wants 2 years, which is the international standard.

The implementation of two other HSL routes is also not yet finished. There seems to be little interest from investors in the HSL Bangkok – Hua Hin.

There are also problems for the planned airport HSL. The consortium led by the Charoen Pokhand group (CP) that submitted the winning bid now comes with additional requirements. There is a chance that the entire project will therefore not go ahead.

Source: Bangkok Post

1 thought on “HSL negotiations with China fail and more HSL problems”

  1. HansNL says up

    Call off those HSL plans!
    Investing money in upgrading the existing network, making it suitable for Talgo/Pendolino equipment, electrifying it if necessary, and staying free of the Chinese way of “helping”.
    The knowledge for upgrading is in-house, Talgo is also available for meter gauge, classic equipment for meter gauge is available for 170 km/h top speed on straights, tilting bucket for 175 km/h on winding routes.
    Plenty of possibilities without having to spend billions on a competitive system with a not that much higher speed that will never pay off, let alone become profitable.


Leave a comment

Thailandblog.nl uses cookies

Our website works best thanks to cookies. This way we can remember your settings, make you a personal offer and you help us improve the quality of the website. read more

Yes, I want a good website