The BKK-Pattaya-Rayong route will run alongside the existing Airport Rail Link and split at the Suvarnabhumi Airport before turning to U-Taphao airport on the eastern coast. Once completed, it will link U-Taphao with Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.
According to the Transport Minister, the high-speed rail system is a separate project from the 1.435-metre standard gauge railways (to be built on the Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut route and on the Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok route) which are joint projects between Thai and Chinese governments.
He said the Ministry had already conducted a study on the high speed train project but the report was sent back for reconsideration as the new project also involves tourism perspective, not only economic and social ones. Moreover, a committee will be set up to consider the best method of investment in the project. Final decision on investment pattern is expected within this year.
The minister added that all of the railway projects have different objectives. The Chinese-Thai standard gauge railway is aimed at transferring goods and passengers from Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut. The Airport Rail Link mainly serves the travel between main cities and airports while the high-speed rail is primarily for tourists.
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