Thailand - China High - Speed Railway Project: Prospects for Northeastern Thailand Development

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Hongpha Subboonrueng
Jintavat Sirirat

Abstract

Thailand - China high - speed railway project has become the focus of attention among domestic and international sectors due to its       expected high impact/ benefits on Thai politics, economics, and society as well as its contributions to ASEAN connectivity and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Even though many people are concerned about project failure due to low Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) specified by an economic feasibility study, the Thai authorities have indicated their    willingness to proceed to maintain Thailand’s long and friendly         relationship with China which has been strengthened after the boycott of western countries since 2014. Moreover, the project is in line with Thailand’s national strategy which emphasizes regional development. Looking from political economy perspectives, Infrastructure development is a key   factor for regional development. Therefore, Thailand - China high - speed railway which cuts across northeastern Thailand will provide a great opportunity for socio - economic and tourism development in the region.

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Interviewees:
Officer no. 1. Office of Transport and traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). 16 August 2018.
Officer no. 2. Office of Transport and traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). 16 August 2018.
Officer no. 3. State Railway of Thailand (SRT). 7 September 2018.
Officer no. 4. State Railway of Thailand (SRT). 7 September 2018.