BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand and China signed a rail construction, train procurement, and personnel training contract for a Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima High Speed Rail service on the northeastern line.

The Prime Minister said the project will help promote the economy, improve connectivity, and enhance person-to-person relations.

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over a signing ceremony of Contract No. 2.3 for Phase 1 of the northeastern High Speed Rail project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, constructed with the cooperation of the Thai government and the Chinese government.

This contract covers rail construction, electrical systems and machinery, train procurement, and training of personnel.

The Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri cited the Prime Minister who said the government places high priority on this project, which will serve as a strategic route enhancing the country’s competitiveness while driving development in the country and the region, especially key cities along the railway.

He said the project will help strengthen ties between Thailand and China, reflecting a mutual commitment to infrastructure development to help promote economic prosperity, connectivity, and relations between the people of Thailand and China.

The Prime Minister said cooperation in this project will provide an opportunity for the exchange of technological knowhow, allowing Thailand to use the knowledge gained to further benefit the people, the country, and the region.