Infrastructure upgrade to lift Thai tourism

The Transport Ministry wants to upgrade infrastructure to facilitate travellers, proposing an extension of the high-speed railway from U-tapao airport to Rayong and Trat, while attracting more direct flights to Krabi airport from the congested Phuket airport while the new airport in Phangnga is constructed.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the ministry already told the Eastern Economic Corridor to study the possibility of extending the high-speed railway connecting three airports.

The rail project is set to terminate at U-tapao airport. To help increase traffic at U-tapao, the line should connect Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces to capitalise on tourism in those areas, he said.

The construction of a high-speed railway, under a joint venture with Asia Era One Co (CP Group), has been delayed for several years.

Mr Phiphat said the ministry does not plan to amend the high-speed rail contract by switching to an instalment format based on construction progress.