The Thai government has approved high speed rail links between three major airports — Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok and U-tapao, an international airport for Chonburi and Rayong provinces.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Policy Committee yesterday approved the THB200 billion, high-speed rail project, which will span 220 kilometers from Bangkok to Rayong. The links will be integral to the success of the EEC as they try to reduce logistics costs, spur employment, and provide tax opportunities for the state.
The links between the two Bangkok airport is merely an extension of the existing Airport Rail Link, which is operated with 160kph trains. However, the government will use the 250kph trains for the route between Suvarnabhumi to U-tapao, according to Khaosod.
That means to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya will only take 45 minutes while the journey normally takes between 2-3 hours by car.
The bidding for the project will take place in March.
