High-speed rail in Thailand facts for kids

Thailand is building a special kind of train system called high-speed rail (HSR). These trains are super fast, like a bullet! In October 2010, the government in Thailand decided to plan a network of these fast trains. They planned five main lines that would all connect to Bangkok, the capital city. These trains will be able to travel at speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (about 155 miles per hour). This will make traveling across Thailand much quicker and easier.

What is High-Speed Rail?

High-speed rail uses advanced technology to make trains go very fast. These trains often run on special tracks that are smoother and straighter than regular train tracks. This allows them to reach incredible speeds safely. Building a high-speed rail network helps a country in many ways. It makes travel faster for people and businesses. It can also help the economy by making it easier to move goods and connect different parts of the country.

Thailand's Main High-Speed Train Routes

Thailand is working on several high-speed train lines. These lines will connect important cities and even link up with neighboring countries. Different countries, like Japan and China, are helping Thailand build these amazing train lines.

Northern Line: Connecting Bangkok to Chiang Mai

One major high-speed line will go from Bangkok all the way north to Chiang Mai. This route is being built in two main parts:

• Bangkok to Phitsanulok: This first part is about 384 kilometers long. It will connect Bangkok to cities like Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok. This section is currently being built.
• Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai: The second part will continue from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai, passing through cities like Uttaradit and Lampang. This section is still in the planning stages. Japan is helping with the technology for this northern line.

Northeastern Line: Linking to Laos

Another important high-speed line goes from Bangkok northeast towards Nakhon Ratchasima and beyond. This line aims to connect Thailand with Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

• Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima: This part is about 250 kilometers long. It connects Bangkok to cities like Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima. The government approved the first part of its construction in 2017.
• Nakhon Ratchasima to Vientiane: This section will continue from Nakhon Ratchasima through Khon Kaen and Udon Thani to Nong Khai at the border with Laos, and then on to Vientiane. This part is also currently under construction. China is helping Thailand build this northeastern line.

Eastern and Western Lines: Connecting Popular Areas

Thailand is also planning two other high-speed lines that are important for tourism and business within the country. These lines are being developed by Thai companies.

• Bangkok to Hua Hin: This line will be about 211 kilometers long. It will connect Bangkok to popular tourist spots like Hua Hin, passing through Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Phetchaburi. This project is currently undergoing an EIA, which means they are studying how it might affect the environment.
• Bangkok to Rayong: This line is about 193.5 kilometers long. It will connect Bangkok to the eastern provinces, including Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong. This area is important for industry and tourism. This project is also in the environmental assessment stage.

Images for kids

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  The China–Thailand high-speed rail link under construction, Khon Kaen, 16 May 2017

See also

In Spanish: Alta velocidad ferroviaria en Tailandia para niños