In February 2025, the Thai government approved this project with a budget of approximately THB 341.35 billion (US$10.04 billion). This decision marks a significant step in regional transportation infrastructure development, connecting three countries—Thailand, Laos, and China—through a high-speed rail network.
Beyond enhancing transportation efficiency, the project is expected to unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen trade and investment ties between nations.
Project Progress
The project is being developed in two main phases. The first phase covers a 253 km railway line from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. Construction began in December 2017, with an initial target completion date of 2023.
However, due to various technical and administrative challenges, progress had only reached 15% by the end of 2022, significantly behind the 37% target. As a result, the completion date was postponed to 2027.
The second phase extends the railway from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, near the Laos border, and is expected to be completed by 2030, with operations set to begin by the end of 2031.
This phase will be divided into two parts. The first part involves constructing the railway and five stations in Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. The second part includes the development of the Na Tha transshipment center in Nong Khai Province.
This facility will serve as a logistics hub, facilitating the transfer of cargo between trains operating on 1.45-meter and 1-meter gauge tracks, ensuring a more efficient and integrated freight system.
Once completed, the railway will enable direct travel from Bangkok to Kunming via Laos, connecting the three countries in a more efficient transportation network. With an operational speed of approximately 250 km/h, the travel time from Bangkok to Vientiane—currently around nine hours—will be reduced to just over two hours.
Fast Track to Regional Growth
The project is expected to bring significant benefits, including improved connectivity by reducing travel time between Bangkok, Laos, and China, strengthening the economy through increased trade and investment with neighboring countries, and positioning Thailand as a key transportation hub in Southeast Asia.
With this high-speed railway, goods distribution will become more efficient, and the region’s tourism sector is also projected to experience substantial growth. Faster and more convenient cross-border rail services will usher in a new era of regional transportation and trade.
