Ratchasima–Nong Khai (Sino-Thai railway project) In November 2014, Thailand and China signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to construct the Thai portion of the transnational railway running from Kunming, China to the Gulf of Thailand. In November 2015, both parties agreed to a division of labour. Under the framework, a joint venture would be set up to run the project. China would conduct feasibility studies, design the system, construct tunnels and bridges, and lay track. Thailand would conduct social and environmental impact studies, expropriate land for construction, handle general civil engineering and power supply, and supply construction materials. Once built, China would operate and maintain the system for the first three years of operation. Between the third and the seventh years, both countries would share responsibility. Later Thailand would take on responsibility with China as adviser. China would train Thai personnel to operate and maintain the system. Dual standard-gauge tracks would be laid throughout the project. In Thailand, two routes would diverge at a junction in Kaeng Khoi District in Saraburi Province. One to connect Bangkok to Kaeng Khoi. The other route to connect Kaeng Khoi with Map Ta Phut of Rayong Province. From Kaeng Khoi tracks would lead north to Nakhon Ratchasima and on to Nong Khai Province. Construction would be divided into four sections: Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi, Map Ta Phut-Kaeng Khoi, Kaeng Khoi-Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai. Construction of Thailand's 873-kilometre-long portion of the railway system started in December 2017 and the Phase 1 line is due to open in 2023. It will connect to a 417 km line from Vientiane to the northern Lao border and a 520 km line from the Lao border to Kunming. Southern HSR: Bangkok–Hua Hin This line would link Bangkok with Hua Hin. It would be 211 km long and estimated costs in 2016 were 152 billion baht. See also Rail transport in Thailand References External links State Railway of Thailand State Railway of Thailand on Facebook State Railway of Thailand on Twitter Thai Railway Stories illustrated description of the Siamese railways in the 1930s SE Asia passenger trains interactive map 1890 establishments in Siam Companies based in Bangkok Railway companies of Thailand State enterprises of Thailand Metre gauge railways in Thailand Government-owned railway companies