"Phiphat" Discusses with Chinese ambassador Both sides Coordinate and cooperate to solve problems, push high-speed train and Laem Chabang Phase 3 projects, confident Thailand will emerge as a regional transportation hub
On 21 May 2026, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, welcomed and held bilateral talks with H.E. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Thailand, and Mr. Jiang Wei, Deputy Ambassador, to strengthen relations and advance cooperation in transport between Thailand and China. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to resolve obstacles to ensure national-level projects proceed smoothly. Mr. Chayatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and Mr. Pichet Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, also attended at the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized the Thai government's commitment, stating that the Ministry of Transport is very pleased to discuss with the Chinese side. We are determined to push forward key projects, especially the Thailand-China high-speed rail Phase 1 (Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima) to successful completion, as well as cooperation on Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai) and the construction of the 2nd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai - Vientiane to ensure smooth progress.
Ambassador Zhang Jianwei and the Chinese delegation expressed their congratulations and confirmed full readiness to support Thailand through the joint committee mechanism for Thailand-China railway cooperation (JC) to advance projects concretely. They noted confidence that Thailand can become a regional hub. China places great importance on developing infrastructure with Thailand, not only the high-speed rail but also Laem Chabang Port Phase 3, which involves Chinese companies. China strongly believes that once these mega projects are completed, they will enhance competitiveness and firmly establish Thailand as a key transportation center in the region.
Furthermore, to ensure smooth and highly efficient operations, the ambassador proposed that the Ministry of Transport increase supervision and closely monitor project progress. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand is willing to act as a liaison to coordinate and facilitate understanding with Chinese company groups., theparticipating in the projects to enable all sectors to work seamlessly and meet the Thai government's objectives.
In addition, both sides discussed the Landbridge project, which will be a new shipping route that enhances cargo transport capacity from southern China and the Mekong River basin to global markets.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Phiphat reaffirmed readiness to closely coordinate with the Chinese side in the future to monitor and expedite concrete cooperation efforts.
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