Construction of Thailand-China rail project is scheduled for August or September 2017. Illustrative photo (Source: thailandtrains.com)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai PrimeMinister Prayut Chan-ocha on June 21 said the Thailand-China high-speed rail projectneeds support of Thai people for its implementation, according to local media.
The premier made the call amid localincreasing criticism after the government was determined to speed up the 179billion THB project by ignoring many legal regulations related to foreignworkers, site clearance, agricultural land use and approval of foreign-investedprojects.
Prayut affirmed that the use of Article 44in the 2014 Constitution is for Thailand’s national interest.
He stressed the project is significant todevelop Thailand’s traffic system and Thai companies will be given favourableconditions to join the project.
"Thailand-China railway project prioritises hiring Thai workers"
Noting huge economic benefits for areas alongthe route, he said the Thai Government has sufficient financial ability to implementthe project.
The same day, Thai Transport MinisterArkhom Termpittayapaisith said the project includes two parts, withinfrastructure and people’s welfare accounting for 75 percent of theinvestment.
Thai contractors will build infrastructurewhile Chinese ones will be responsible for rail installation and trains. Chinahas also agreed with conditions regarding transfer of technology and designsfor Thailand.
The project will be submitted to thecabinet this month and its construction is scheduled to start in August orSeptember.-VNA
