Thailand’s THB224.5-billion (USD6.8 billion) high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports under a public–private partnership (PPP) framework is on the brink of cancellation. Six years after the contract was signed with Asia Era One Company, led by CP Group, the project remains stalled due to financing issues, contract disputes, and political changes.
The 220-km line was planned to link Bangkok’s two main airports—Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi—with U-Tapao in Rayong province, reducing travel time between the first two airports to about 20 minutes. The project includes upgrades to the existing Airport Rail Link, new double tracks, and connections to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Revisions approved by the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) in 2023 allowed phased government co-investment and flexible payment terms, but the new administration rejected these changes. The Ministry of Transport raised legal objections, halting the signing of amended terms. The project’s uncertainty now threatens related developments such as the U-Tapao Airport expansion and Eastern Aviation City, undermining regional connectivity plans under the EEC initiative.