The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a budget of 12 billion baht (approximately $354 million) for the compulsory acquisition of land necessary for the second phase of the high-speed railway project's extension, which is being developed in partnership with China.

This phase will cover a route from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, requiring about 1,345 rai (equivalent to around 530 acres) of land.

The proposal is set to be presented to the Transport Ministry for consideration in the coming month, following a board meeting on May 15, where SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala confirmed that a draft Royal Decree detailing the areas for mandatory purchase has been approved.

This phase of the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project represents a significant collaboration between the Thai and Chinese governments, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and transport infrastructure.

Land acquisition for this segment involves properties in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai provinces, encompassing 1,991 land parcels and 1,428 buildings.

The total budget allocated for the acquisition process stands at 12,418.61 million baht.

Significant progress has been made on this project, with approvals from the National Environment Board received in November 2024, and further endorsement from the Cabinet in February 2025.

The SRT is currently working on preparing tender documents with the intention to initiate the bidding process in accordance with the Transport Ministry's established timeline.

The route designated for this extension will originate after Nakhon Ratchasima station and will conclude at the Thai bank of the Mekong River.

It is planned to feature five stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.

Additionally, plans include the establishment of two maintenance depots located at Natha and Chiang Rak Noi, four track maintenance bases at Ban Makha, Nong Mek, Non Sa-at, and Natha, as well as a container yard and transshipment facility at Natha.

The total length of this second phase is projected to be approximately 357.22 kilometers.

This project is an integral component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to enhance transport and trade links across Thailand, Laos, and China.

The initiative is anticipated to foster economic growth in Thailand's upper northeastern region, stimulating development by improving access between major and secondary cities along with emerging economic zones.

Furthermore, SRT Governor Veeris announced the decision to extend the construction contract for the first phase of the high-speed rail project — from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima — specifically regarding Contract 3-2 concerning tunnel construction (Muak Lek and Lam Takhong) by an additional 181 days.

Consequently, the original completion date of June 7, 2025, has now been rescheduled to December 5, 2025.

The delay in construction has been attributed to the SRT's late handover of construction sites to contractors, stemming from ongoing land acquisition processes.

This has impacted two critical construction elements: the at-grade railway track between DK.134+765 and DK.135+385, and the Pha Sadet Bridge.

The SRT has confirmed that all necessary land has now been handed over to the contractor, who is urged to complete the project within the new timeframe to maintain the momentum and ensure timely advancements in the project’s progression.

Contract 3-2, valued at 4,279.3 million baht, spans 12.23 kilometers and includes the development of 8 kilometers of railway tunnels, 3.27 kilometers of at-grade track, and 0.96 kilometers of elevated track, alongside four buildings and other essential railway system infrastructure.