Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway
| Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway | |
|---|---|
CRRC Fuxing Series EMU proposed for Northeastern high-speed rail line passenger services. | |
| Overview | |
| Other names | Northeastern high-speed rail line China–Thailand railway |
| Status | Under construction (Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima) |
| Locale | Thailand |
| Termini |
|
| Continues from | Boten–Vientiane railway (planned) |
| Service | |
| Type | High-speed rail |
| Operator(s) | State Railway of Thailand |
| Depot(s) | Chiang Rak Noi |
| History | |
| Commenced | 21 December 2017 |
| Planned opening | 2027 (Phase 1) |
| Technical | |
| Line length |
|
| Number of tracks | 2 |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Operating speed | 250 km/h (160 mph) |
The Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway or Northeastern high-speed rail line is a high-speed railway under construction in Thailand. It will be the first high-speed line in Thailand, and is planned to be constructed in multiple phases.
Construction began on the 253 kilometres (157 mi) first phase between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima in 2017, but has progressed to only 35.74% completion as of January 2025 due to multiple delays. Operations on the line are expected to commence in 2028. The total cost of the first phase is estimated at 179 billion Thai baht.
The second phase, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, was approved by the Thai Cabinet in February 2025. It will span 357 kilometres (222 mi) and cost approximately 341 billion baht, with operations expected to commence in 2031.
The third phase, from Nong Khai to Vientiane, has not been confirmed. There is however an existing single 1,000 mm railway connection in the central reservation of the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
The railway is envisioned to serve as a major connection along the Kunming–Singapore railway central line.