BANGKOK – Thailand is set to begin operations of its much-anticipated 220 km high-speed rail line linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U‑Tapao airports in July 2025. The ambitious infrastructure project, part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiative, is valued at approximately 271.8 billion Baht ($7.4 billion). The Thai government is financing up to 120 billion Baht — about 60% — while the rest is covered by private investors in a public-private partnership led by Asia Era One, a consortium spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand Group.

Thai officials project that the line will transform regional connectivity, reduce travel time to under 60 minutes for airport-to-airport trips, and support Thailand’s “Thailand 4.0” economic vision. The government expects a boost in tourism by up to 8%, handling 15 million passengers annually initially, rising to 60 million within 20 years, alongside generating about 700 billion baht in economic benefits and around 19,000 jobs.

Project Details & Financing

• Route: 220 km, with 181 km elevated, 8 km underground, 2 km at-grade, across five provinces with nine stations
• Speed: 160 km/h in urban zones, reaching 250 km/h between airports.
• Financing Model: PPP with 120 bn Baht public funding and 152 bn Baht performance guarantees from Asia Era One, under a 50-year concession.

Strategic Value & Expected Outcomes

• Travel Efficiency: The route connects Bangkok’s two airports and U‑Tapao, slashing transit time to around 45–60 minutes, compared to over two hours by road.
• Eastern Economic Corridor: A key driver in EEC plans, enabling faster movement of tourists and goods across Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong, and integrating new airport city zones, MRO facilities, and logistics hubs.
• Economic Job Creation: The project is expected to create 16,000 construction-phase jobs and significantly empower roughly 100,000 associated businesses, with broader regional economic spillover estimated at 700 bn baht .

Construction Timeline & Partners

• Contracts are expected to be finalized during the month of July, following amendments to address Covid-19-related delays and revised payment structures.
• Construction will commence immediately post-signing, with completion targeted for 2029–2030, aligned with the expansion of U‑Tapao Airport.
• Consortium & Technology: Asia Era One (CP Group, CRCC, Siemens, etc.) will operate the line and apply advanced systems like platform screen doors, signaling, electrification and automatic fare collection.

One of the region’s most ambitious transport projects

The July 2025 launching of this high-speed rail marks a pivotal moment for Thailand, promising to elevate it as a logistics and travel hub in Southeast Asia. By improving inter-airport connectivity, reducing transit times, and catalyzing economic zones along the route, the infrastructure positions the EEC to attract more foreign investment, bolster tourism, and drive forward the country’s “Thailand 4.0” strategic agenda. As one of the region’s most ambitious transport projects, the rail line sets a new benchmark in ASEAN connectivity. (zai)