Thailand and China have begun a $10 billion high-speed rail project that will connect Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, with construction starting this year and targeted for operation by 2031.
The project aims to improve regional connectivity, drive economic growth and strengthen ties between ASEAN and China through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In addition to the infrastructure benefits, the project also revives the history of the Suvarnabhumi civilization, which played a key role in maritime and land trade between Southeast Asia, China, India, Persia and Europe thousands of years ago.
By integrating the high-speed rail into its tourism and cultural development strategy, Thailand hopes to attract more global tourists, deepen academic exchanges and build a tighter network of cities along the modern Silk Road.
