The Thai government has officially approved Phase 2 of the China-Thailand High-Speed Railway (HSR), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project that will ultimately connect Bangkok to China via Laos.

Once operational, the rail link will strengthen Thailand's position as a regional logistics hub and facilitate smoother cross-border trade. A key logistics center will also be developed in Nong Khai, offering “one-stop” freight clearance with Laos and China.

This high-speed rail is also part of the larger Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) vision—connecting Kunming, China, to Singapore through Laos and Thailand—bringing ASEAN’s decade-long connectivity dream closer to reality.

With higher speed, lower logistics costs, and potential to boost exports (think: Thai fruits like durian and longan to China), the project is expected to elevate Thailand's tourism, trade, and manufacturing prospects.

As of now, 35% of Phase 1 (Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima) has been completed, with a 2028 opening anticipated.