Yesterday the Thai government made clear it’s plan to greatly expand on existing transportation infrastructure throughout the country, focusing in particular on the railway network connecting Bangkok to the rest of the country.
The proposal, advanced by the Pheu Thai led government, calls for a THB2.2 trillion investment, much of which will go to the building of high speed railway. Furthermore, the plan will improve rail service in the Bangkok metro area by adding roughly 400km of additional rail lines.
As reported in the Bangkok Post, the government hopes to approve a bill authorizing loans covering THB2 trillion to fund the various projects. The loans will cover funding over a 7 year period through to 2020. Additional funding will be drawn from the budget, state enterprises, additional loans and public-private partnerships.
Pheu Thai readily emphasizes upgrades in infrastructure as key to sustaining future economic growth. The Transportation Minister, Chadchat Sittipunt, is overseeing the investment process.
