The French ambassador to Thailand has told the transport minister that France is interested in developing a high-speed railway from Bangkok to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan and building an aircraft maintenance facility at U-Tapao airport.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said after meeting French ambassador Gilles Garachon on Wednesday that France wanted to invest in the high-speed train route from Bangkok to Hua Hin as well as Bangkok electric railways on the Kae Rai-Min Buri, Thailand Cultural Centre-Min Buri and Lat Phrao-Samrong routes, and a tram system on Phuket island.
The ambassador also told him that Air France KLM wanted a joint venture project with Thai Airways International to build a maintenance facility for light aircraft at U-Tapao airport in Rayong province as it sees potential for another service base for aircraft in Asia in addition to facilities in China and Singapore.
Mr Arkhom also met Masayasu Hosumi, chief representative for Japan External Trade Organisation in Asean and South Asia.
He said Mr Hosumi reported on a survey of business sentiment of Japanese corporations in Thailand. The survey found that most remained confident in the Thai economy and improved investment promotions by the government, so they would maintain and even expand their auto parts, electrical and electronic manufacturing in the country.