China pitches Ayutthaya as first high speed rail stop

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China pitches Ayutthaya as first high speed rail stop

Published: 9 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Chinese government officials advising Thailand on the development of its high-speed train network have suggested that it begin with a 54km route linking Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt met recently with Chinese officials who advised him on the network.

They suggested that the Bangkok-Ayutthaya route be a good starting point as it would fall in line with the government's push to have the ancient capital serve as host for the 2020 World Expo, Mr Chadchat said on Friday.

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Vune
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Discussion 5 : 15 Dec 2012 at 19.475
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The economic benefits that will result from an Ayuttaya line is practically nil. On the other hand a trial line to Chonburi and Pattaya will bring a whole new dimension to the lives of people living in both the eastern seaboard and Bangkok. BKKians will have an alternative to live by the sea away from flood prone areas and the seaboarders will benefit from the millions of extra tourists and businesses that will flock there. The whole scene will be transformed definitely. Lets encourage the Chinese to give us what we want first before we give them what they want.
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Vune
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Discussion 4 : 15 Dec 2012 at 19.284
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anyone who has been to China will know that the chinese system is safe and efficient.The Japanese shinkansen has had it's fair share of accidents in it's early days as well and they are not as capable as the chinese. Tendering through the normal process will not eradicate corruption if the intention is there but only slows it down by a decade as evident from other infrastructure projects built here. The Chinese says they are able to complete the project in 2 years and I believe they can do it if it is done in China with manpower through the Peoples Liberation Army, but where is Thailand going to find the people to labour on such a big task?
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ricoaj22
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Discussion 3 : 10 Dec 2012 at 21.453
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I wonder if they will ever factor in safety here. To be safe the line must be elevated because the Thai people's attitude to, understanding of and respect offered to electricity and its dangers are severely limited.

Some education and oversight is needed for sure here
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banmebkk
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Discussion 2 : 10 Dec 2012 at 09.432
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Ayutthaya is less than 100km from Bangkok. Its a short 40min to 1 hr drive. High speed train that goes 300kph on the recommendation of the Chinese? I hope the government is not dumb enough. How much do they plan to charge?

It would be more profitable to build one that goes to pattaya considering the volume of passengers each day.
On top of that, Chinese built high speed rails are full with design flaws, evident in the accident in China in 2011.
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joninnak
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Discussion 1 : 09 Dec 2012 at 12.151
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..and Thaksin will be chairing the meeting using Skype.
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China pitches Ayutthaya as first high speed rail stop | Bangkok Post: news