[InKunming--Kunming]  The Sino-Thai railway is likely to start constructing in October this year, according to the statement released by Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Joint Committee of Sino-Thai railway project held the twentieth meeting during August 15th to 17th in Bangkok. The two sides negotiated about the details of the contract designing between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima Kh. It is a new progress after the project was approved by the Thai cabinet.

Wang Xiaotao, deputy director of the China National Development and Reform Commission and the Thailand transport minister reached an agreement. The two countries will work together so that the contract will be finalized in the early of September. In this way can the project successfully start constructing.

Piriya Khempon, Thailand Ambassador to China said that the Thai Prime Minister Prayut will visit China during September 4th to 9th. Until then will the two countries sign the contract of Sino-Thai Railway project.

Sino-Thai railway is the first standard high-speed railway in Thailand. The first sector reaches 253 kilometers and it can hit the speed at 150 kilometers per hour. The second sector is under preparation and about to stretch to Nong Khai.

The project will further enhance the position of Thailand in the Indochina Peninsula, boosting the development of Thailand’s economy.

When the Sino-Thai Railway complete in three years, citizens in Kunming can travel to Thailand by taking the train. It only costs about 700 rmb for a round-trip tickets. Meanwhile, China and Thailand could further cooperate in the fields of infrastructure, trade and investment.

Under the frame of One Belt One Road, the Sino-Thai railway is just the beginning of cooperation. The Thailand people hope that more and more infrastructures will be launched in port, aviation and other fields, creating great investment opportunities for both sides, Piriya Khempon said.

Click here to view the Chinese report.

(Editors:Rachel, Tracy)