Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed rail link to boost tourism
Thailand is close to approving a $12 billion high-speed rail project to connect capital Bangkok with the northern city of Chiang Mai.
The project, which will be constructed in partnership with Japan, will give tourism a big boost, connecting two of the country’s most visited tourist destinations.
Construction could begin in mid-2016, said Transport Minister Air Chief Marshall Prajin Juntong.
"Next week, we will present a memorandum of cooperation to the cabinet. If it is approved we will fly to Japan on May 27 to sign the deal," Prajin said.
It follows a similar deal agreed last year for a $9 billion Thai-Chinese joint venture rail project for two dual-track railways covering more than 700 km.
The Thai military government has pushed major infrastructure improvements as a way to kick start a stuttering economy and stay ahead in tourism.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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