Thailand’s High Speed Rail: Connecting Southeast Asia
Thailand’s high-speed rail link with China will strengthen infrastructure, boost trade and propel economy forward:
1. First stretch of Thai-China rail approved
2. Project to boost Thai tourism
3. Bangkok’s Bang Sue to see surge in tourism
Thailand’s participation in the fast-speed rail linking China and other neighbouring countries will be a milestone that will solidify the nation’s rapidly growing infrastructure plans. We take a look at some of the implications that the project will have on Bangkok, highlighting areas that will particularly benefit from the initiative:
Thai leg to commence
The middle of 2017 saw Thai officials announcing approved plans to move forward with the building of the first stretch of a high-speed railway that will link Bangkok to Southern China. This is part of China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR), providing the whole Asia Pacific region with faster and alternative travel options.
The announcement held considerable significance as the USD 5.2 billion project’s commencement had been affected by considerable delays due to a mix of issues. The link will connect Bangkok with Phnom Penh (and later Ho Chi Minh City) – which will join the existing railway that connects to the North of China.
Tourist traffic to see new highs
The high-speed rail will only add to the nation’s status as an international tourist hub, attracting both crowds from the region as well as those travelling through Southeast Asia. It will also complement the government’s ongoing commitment to the tourism sector, boosting infrastructure and offering new avenues to reach the country, providing an all-important alternative to air travel.
Bang Sue to become major hub
With the Bang Sue Central Station (one of the six stations being built nationwide) constructed at the heart of Bang Sue, the area will take on new levels of vibrancy, adding to its current status as one of Bangkok’s most eclectic areas. It will replace Hua Lamphong Station as the city’s main station with its impressive 24 platforms, earning it the honour of being the largest train station in Southeast Asia.
Aside from being a gateway to both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International airports, Bang Sue Central Station will also bring marked developments to the district’s overall infrastructure, cementing itself as a hub for both transport and lifestyle. Together with the increase in amenities to cater to the large numbers in commuter traffic, both Bang Sue and the surrounding areas’ property markets will also benefit from the railway station.
Areas like Wongsawang for example – which is 3 MRT stops away from the upcoming railway station – offers investors opportunities to purchase property that is on the circumference of the hub at a more affordable price. An example of this is The LINE Wongsawang, which is a mere 200 metres away from the station.
It is clear that Thailand’s role in China’s OBOR project will only serve to cement its position as a major player in global trade across the Asia Pacific region. The mutually beneficial project will also solidify ties between both nations, boosting the respective economies through exponential increases in tourism.
