On May 27, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, announced the Ministry of Transport’s meeting with Yang Jiang, Vice President for the Asia Pacific Region of Powerchina International Group Limited, along with senior executives from Sinohydro Thailand. The meeting focused on potential investment collaborations in transport infrastructure within Thailand.
Powerchina, a prominent Chinese state-owned enterprise, is looking to create Powerchina (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to facilitate its investments in the country. The company aims to propose joint ventures with Thai businesses and offers access to low-interest funding sources, given its complete ownership by the Chinese government.
To date, Powerchina has secured contracts in Thailand worth over $5 billion, encompassing 15 significant projects that include energy initiatives with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Gulf Development Public Company Limited (SET: GULF), as well as infrastructure developments like the Blue Line and Green Line mass transit lines.
The company has indicated interest in investing in seven major projects under the Ministry of Transport, which collectively are valued at around THB 620–650 billion. These projects include:
– Double-track Southern Line, SRT Phase 2: Chumphon–Surat Thani section at about THB 24 billion; Surat Thani–Hat Yai–Songkhla section at approximately THB 57 billion; Hat Yai–Padang Besar section at THB 6.6 billion, totaling around THB 88 billion.
– Thai–China High-Speed Railway, Nakhon Ratchasima–Nong Khai section (Phase 2) estimated at THB 341 billion.
– Kathu–Patong Tunnel Project in Phuket, proposed by EXAT, with a budget of about THB 15 – 16.7 billion.
– Lanna Airport Development Project (AOT) projected at THB 70–80 billion.
– Andaman Airport Development Project (AOT) anticipated at THB 60–70 billion.
– Don Mueang Airport Development Project Phase 3, around THB 36–40 billion.
– Expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Terminal, estimated between THB 9–15 billion.
Additionally, on May 26, the Ministry of Transport hosted Evgeny Tomikhin, the Russian Ambassador to Thailand, to enhance the 128-year Thailand–Russia relations. They are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) for cooperation in transport, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
Both nations plan to determine a suitable time for the MOI signing, likely during the ASEAN–Russia Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation, in June 2026.
The Russian Ambassador also expressed interest in Thailand’s rail system development, including a new locomotive maintenance depot at Kaeng Khoi Junction in Saraburi, and the procurement of diesel-electric locomotives and freight wagons for the SRT.
Currently, the SRT is reviewing procurement strategies to optimize budget management and minimize impacts on public debt, considering options like reducing initial procurement quantities by 50% or shifting to leasing models from private firms. The SRT Governor will discuss these details further with the Russian Embassy.
Interest also exists in the Smart Car Park project for Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, which aims to enhance user services through advanced technology, with AOT planning more detailed discussions.
Source: kaohoon international
