China-Thailand high-speed rail to begin construction in October

BEIJING - After two years of setbacks and delays, construction is set to begin in October on a high-speed railway linking China and Thailand, Caixin reports. The project’s first phase, a 253-km (157-mile) rail line, will be the first high-speed rail line in Thailand.

The Thai Cabinet and National Legislative Assembly, which approved the first phase in July, estimated that it will cost RMB35.7 billion (US$5.36 billion), and take four years to complete.

The railway is part of China’s “Belt and Road” global investment and infrastructure initiative.

According to a statement in Caixin, China will provide expertise and supervision, while Thailand will provide equipment and materials.

China also promised to use a number of Thai engineers and architects as part of an effort to help Thailand master the maintenance, operation and management of high-speed railways. www.webershandwick.cn (ATI).